emirates7 - Japan's weather agency reported on Monday that more than 180 earthquakes were recorded near the Tokara island chain in southwestern Japan over the weekend, warning residents to remain vigilant for the possibility of a strong quake.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Akuseki Island in Kagoshima Prefecture experienced tremors measuring 4 on the country's seismic intensity scale of 7 — twice on Sunday and once early Monday.

Kyodo News cited the agency as saying that seismic activity with epicentres near the island chain has been occurring frequently since Saturday.