Japan Alerts Residents as Tsunami Follows Earthquake Near Torishima

Japan issued a tsunami advisory on Tuesday for residents of the Izu and Ogasawara Islands following a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck in the Pacific Ocean near the uninhabited island of Torishima. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported no significant tremors from the quake, which occurred around 600 kilometers (370 miles) south of Tokyo along a chain of islands.

A tsunami measuring 50 cm hit Hachijo Island, part of the Izu Islands, approximately 40 minutes after the earthquake, according to the JMA. The agency also warned that waves up to one meter high could potentially affect both the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. So far, there have been no reports of significant damage.

The Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent seismic activity, encompasses Japan, which lies on the intersection of four major tectonic plates. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands, governed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, have about a dozen inhabited islands with a combined population of approximately 24,000 as of last year.

Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, most of which are minor. Advanced construction methods and thorough emergency protocols have helped minimize the impact of even larger quakes across the country.