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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo and agencies

Japan’s PM cancels overseas trip after experts issue ‘megaquake’ warning

A collapsed house is seen following an earthquake in Osaki town on 8 August
A collapsed house is seen following an earthquake in Osaki town on 8 August. Experts have warned of a megaquake hitting Japan as PM Fumio Kishida cancels visit to central Asia for a summit in Kazakhstan. Photograph: KYODO/Reuters

Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has cancelled a visit to central Asia this weekend after experts warned that the risk of a “megaquake” occurring off the country’s Pacific coast had increased following Thursday’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the south-west.

Kishida, who is battling low approval ratings and faces challenges to his leadership in a ruling party presidential election next month, announced his decision at a press conference on Friday.

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