Behavior of Ryukyu trench, especially about mega-earthquake, is unknown based on seismic observation since late 19thcentury. On the other hand, slight geological evidence of large earthquakes and tsunami is reported in Okinawa Island. The author attempts to reinforce those evidence through bibliographic survey. “Kyu-yo” is the national history archive of Ryukyu Kingdom. Convulsions of nature from middle 17thcentury to late 19thcentury are described in the document. It indicates that there was megaquake cluster in late 18thcentury. In 1768, Shuri Castle was damaged by earthquake and King Sho Boku evacuated from his palace. After shock, tsunami hit Kerama Islands and Asa village was lost. The well-known and cruel “Yaeyama tsunami disaster” occurred in 1771. In this earthquake, seismic intensity in Okinawa, Kerama and Kume islands was greater than that in Yaeyama Islands. In 1791, Yonabaru port suffered huge tsunami caused by silent earthquake. Naha port and Motobu port were also at the mercy of the tsunami. Judging from intensity and distribution of phenomena, the three earthquakes occurred along Ryukyu trench, and were either Magnitude 8 or more. The archive tells that Ryukyu trench is an earthquake nest similar to Nankai trough. After the slow-slip in 1791, however, seismic gap continues in the area around Okinawa Island. It means that Ryukyu arc is accumulating distortion for the next megaquake cluster.
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