.jpg)
Tokyo, January 6, 2026 – A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 6.2 struck eastern Shimane Prefecture in western Japan on Tuesday morning, triggering an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) across the Chugoku region. While the tremor caused significant shaking, no tsunami warning was issued, and authorities report that there are no immediate signs of major damage or casualties.
Event Details
The quake occurred at approximately 10:18 a.m. JST, with its epicenter located in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture at a shallow depth of about 10 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Preliminary Magnitude: 6.3 (Revised to 6.2)
Maximum Intensity: Upper 5 to Lower 6 on the Japanese shindo scale.
Affected Regions: Strong shaking was felt in Shimane and Tottori prefectures. Weaker tremors were reported in Hiroshima, Okayama, and as far as parts of Shikoku and Kyushu.
Impact and Infrastructure
Japan’s advanced early warning system alerted residents seconds before the strongest waves arrived, giving people time to take cover under desks or move away from windows.
Transport: High-speed Shinkansen trains in the Chugoku region were temporarily halted automatically for safety inspections. Service resumed shortly after no track damage was found.
Utilities: No abnormalities were reported at the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant. Local utilities reported that power and water supplies remain stable, though some minor elevator entrapments were reported in urban areas.
Damage: While some items fell from shelves and minor cracks were reported in older structures, local governments have not confirmed any significant structural collapses.
Expert Analysis
The JMA has cautioned that "lower 6" intensity shaking is strong enough to make it difficult for people to remain standing and can cause unreinforced concrete-block walls to collapse. Residents are advised to stay vigilant for aftershocks of a similar magnitude over the next week.
"The shallow depth of this inland quake explains the intense local shaking despite the moderate magnitude," noted a JMA spokesperson. "We urge residents to stay away from steep slopes and damaged buildings."
Japan’s strict building codes, which have been continuously updated since the 1995 Kobe earthquake, are credited with preventing major destruction during this event.
