Japan cancels numerous flights to earthquake-affected region.

Japanese domestic airlines have canceled flights to and from airports in the earthquake-affected area.

All Nippon Airways announced the cancellation of 15 flights and Japan Airlines canceled 9 flights on January 1st to areas affected by the earthquake in central Japan. In addition, Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, the area shaken by yesterday's 7.6 magnitude earthquake, ceased operations, further exacerbating transportation disruptions in the region. Komatsu Airport, also in Ishikawa Prefecture, began reopening today for flights to Haneda, Tokyo.

The railway company also suspended services to earthquake-affected areas yesterday. High-speed rail to the Hokuriku area and Shinkansen services to and from Ishikawa were also temporarily suspended for adjustments. This morning, after the Japan Meteorological Agency lifted all tsunami warnings issued following yesterday's earthquakes, some high-speed rail routes resumed operation.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its tsunami warning levels yesterday: purple for "major tsunami warning," red for "tsunami warning," yellow for "possible tsunami," and blue for "possible to be affected." (Photo: JMA)

On January 1st, Japan experienced 155 earthquakes nationwide, mostly in the western region, with the strongest being a 7.6 magnitude tremor in Ishikawa Prefecture. The tremors occurred on New Year's Day, a time when millions of Japanese people visit temples and shrines to pray for good fortune. Ishikawa Prefectural Police reported at least eight fatalities. Local authorities also reported numerous injuries and collapsed buildings in five prefectures: Ishikawa, Niigata, Fukui, Toyama, and Gifu.

A person seeking good fortune at Keta Shrine in Hakui, Kanazawa City, a popular tourist destination in Ishikawa Prefecture, said the scene was "terrifying" as the shrine shook continuously. The shrine gate collapsed, and people gathered around with worried expressions.

Shirakawago Village, a popular tourist destination in Gifu Prefecture, was one of the five central prefectures affected by the earthquake, but fortunately remained largely unaffected.

The gate of Keta Shrine in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, collapsed during the earthquake. Photo: Reuters

According to experts, the earthquake's impact could be widespread on transportation and communications. The Japanese Imperial Family canceled their New Year's celebration at the Tokyo Imperial Palace due to the earthquake in Ishikawa.

Coastal areas in Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa are on high alert, and residents are being encouraged to evacuate promptly. The Japanese government emphasizes the importance of moving to higher ground and as far away from the coast as possible to avoid risks in the event of a tsunami.

Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture. Photo: Flickr

Four major telecommunications providers—NTT Docomo, KDDI, Softbank, and Rakuten Mobile—have implemented a disaster bulletin system. Users can share their safety status via text message.

In 2023, Japan's domestic tourism recovered to near pre-pandemic levels. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan in October reached 2.5 million, the first month after the pandemic to exceed pre-pandemic levels. In the first 10 months of the year, Japan welcomed 20 million international visitors. In 2019, the country received 31.8 million visitors.

( By Anh Minh , according to Skift )

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