Seismic Shakes: 5.5 Magnitude Quake Rattles Southwestern Japan

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The tremor's epicenter was located off the coast of the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima prefecture, approximately 1,200 kilometers from Tokyo.

The agency confirmed that the quake did not trigger a tsunami warning, mitigating potential panic in coastal areas. Despite the lack of a tsunami threat, residents of Akuseki Island experienced significant shaking, with a seismic intensity marked as '6 lower' on Japan's standardized 1-7 scale.

The event underlines Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity, which requires continuous monitoring and readiness in the region known for its propensity for earthquakes.

(With inputs from agencies.)