Photo/Illutration Akusekijima is a small volcanic island off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, situated in a region known for frequent seismic activity. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

KAGOSHIMA--Sixteen evacuated residents of Akusekijima island boarded a ferry here on the evening of July 16 to return home despite the continuing earthquakes numbering more than 2,000 in recent weeks.

While the seismic activity continues on the island, some evacuees decided to return anyway, explaining, “We’re worried about the island. We want to prepare for the approaching typhoon.”

The Tokara island chain has been suffering frequent earthquakes, including a powerful one with a maximum seismic intensity of a lower 6 on the Japanese scale of 7, since June 21

The village of Toshima offered evacuations on a voluntary basis from July 4. Fifty-two  residents of Akusekijima island accepted the offer and left the island and sheltered in the city of Kagoshima and other locations.

Eighteen residents remained on Akusekijima island as of July 16, before the return of the 16 villagers.

The village had set a guideline for allowing evacuees to return home: five consecutive days without an earthquake registering an intensity 4 or greater. However, on July 16, a quake with an intensity 4 was recorded.

Regarding the early return of residents ahead of the village’s official safety decision, Mayor Genichiro Kubo said, “Evacuation was not mandatory. We respect the wishes of the island residents.”

He also told reporters that some evacuees who wished to return home were saying, “There hasn’t been an earthquake with an intensity of 5 or greater,” and “Life in evacuation in Kagoshima is also difficult.”

Kazunori Arikawa, 73, who runs a guesthouse on Akusekijima island, decided to return home as the number of earthquakes declined.

While the earthquakes had once exceeded 100 per day, the number dropped to 40 on July 14 and 31 on July 15.

“I’m worried about the island. I want to prepare for the typhoon," Arikawa said. "I don’t have anything to do while staying in Kagoshima.” 

On the island, residents live in close proximity, take care of essential tasks such as garbage collection and power plant maintenance, and support each other.

“Everyone on the island is like family. I just want to return and see their faces,” Arikawa added.

He said he may evacuate again depending on his health.

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