- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Japan Earthquake: A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Japan's largest island, Honshu on Thursday, as per the German Research Centre for Geosciences. Its epicentre was located roughly 122 km east of Yamada and a shallow depth of around 10 km.
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the earthquake struck at 23:18 local time, reaching a maximum intensity level of four on the country’s seismic scale, an indication of noticeable but generally non-destructive shaking.
India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) assessed the tremor at magnitude 6.3, noting that it occurred at 7:48 PM IST in the North Pacific Ocean, with the epicentre located roughly 517 km northeast of Tokyo at a depth of about 60 km.
As per various media reports, there was no casualties or major structural damage, and no tsunami alert had been issued. Officials are continuing to keep a close watch for any aftershocks in the region.
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Why Is Japan Prone To Earthquakes?
Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas. The earthquakes which have a seismic intensity of upper - 5 on Japan's 1-7 scale, are considered strong enough to make movement difficult without support.
Recent Earthquakes In Japan
Ealier in January 2026, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 hit western Japan. The epicenter of the earthquake was the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture. At that time as well, a tsunami warning had not been issued.
In December 2025, a late-night 7.5 magnitude earthquake caused injuries, light damage and a tsunami in Pacific coastal communities. At least 34 people were injured, one seriously, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. Most of them were hit by falling objects, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The quake occurred just north of the coastal region where the magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011 killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.