Japan's PM Cancels Central Asia Visit Amid Earthquake Warning

Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has canceled his central Asia tour due to an increased risk of a major earthquake along the country's Pacific coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare warning following a magnitude 7.1 quake in Kyushu. Kishida plans to hold some meetings online instead.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has canceled his planned visit to central Asia due to heightened earthquake risks along the Pacific coast, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever warning of a possible major earthquake following a magnitude 7.1 quake on Kyushu's southwestern island. Although not certain, Japan is preparing for any eventuality and is canceling Kishida's trip, hoping to conduct some meetings online instead.

Kishida's trip was initially planned to include visits to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia from Friday to Monday. The advisory highlights an increased likelihood of an earthquake in the Nankai trough, an area known for generating enormous tsunamis. The infrastructure ministry estimates a 70-80% probability of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake in the next 30 years.