In September 2024, a sinkhole in Hiroshima was caused by a burst underground water pipe. In 2016, Fukuoka experienced a massive sinkhole, about 98ft wide and 50ft deep, that swallowed five road lanes.

It comes after a sinkhole appeared in the city of Hiroshima last September when an underground water pipe burst and the road caved in, meaning several people trapped in buildings had to be rescued.