Kyūshū’s heartland, home to Mount Aso and a population of ~1.68 million
A magnitude 5.8–5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki and rattled Tokyo, injuring dozens across five prefectures. Trains faced delays; Shinkansen service remains normal. Authorities set up a task force to assess damage as residents brace for possible aftershocks.
Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee has updated risk projections for the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kobe, citing a 50–60% chance of a magnitude 6.8+ quake over the forecast period. The assessment, based on 45 active faults, places Kinki’s risk on par with Tokyo’s region, amid broader concerns about a Nankai Trough megathrust event that could devastate coastal areas.
Tributes pour in for Isao Harimoto, the Hit Machine, as his legacy of 3,085 hits, 504 home runs and 319 stolen bases is remembered. The Golden Players Club confirms his passing at 86, reflecting a career that shaped Nippon Professional Baseball.
Japan has 107,677 centenarians, the highest global figure, with 88% women. The country’s aging population coexists with a shrinking birth rate, pressuring social security and the economy. Officials cite medicine, diet, and active living as key factors, while authorities warn of fiscal strain as the population declines.
Japan and the United States are conducting Keen Sword 27, a biennial exercise involving about 45,000 Japanese troops and 12,000 American service members, plus participants from seven other nations. The drills focus on defending Japan’s southwestern islands and nearby waters amid tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia, with new missiles and systems deployed to Yonaguni and surrounding areas.
Japan has established the National Disaster Management Agency to coordinate preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction. Officials say the move will address megaquake risks along the Nankai Trough and in Tokyo, improve evacuation centers, and boost cross-ministry coordination.
Tashima has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, becoming the first Japanese to stand for world football’s top job. He argues governance must be cleaned up amid scrutiny of Infantino’s tenure and FIFA’s direction.