The Nankai megathrust earthquake, which occurs approximately every century, has not struck since the last significant event over 80 years ago. Recent seismic activity, including the M7.1 earthquake in Miyazaki Prefecture this August, has prompted the government and experts to stress the importance of preparedness for the next major quake.
Nankai megathrust earthquakes are massive seismic events that occur along the roughly 435-mile-long (700-kilometer-long) Nankai Trough, stretching from Japan’s Tokai region to the Kyushu region. Scientists theorize that these earthquakes rank among the most powerful in history, capable of generating tsunamis over 33 feet (10 meters) high.
