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

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its first-ever warning of the risk of a huge earthquake along the Pacific coast

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.