A magnitude-5 earthquake struck eastern Japan on Wednesday morning, briefly alarming residents but leaving no reports of significant damage or injuries, according to local authorities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that aftershocks of a similar intensity may occur over the next several days, advising the public to remain vigilant for about a week.
Data from the agency indicated that the quake occurred at 10:06 a.m. local time, registering a lower 5 on Japan’s shindo seismic intensity scale. Unlike magnitude, which measures the energy released at the quake’s source, the shindo scale reflects the strength of shaking experienced at specific locations, ranging from 0 to 7. Tremors at lower 5 can make it difficult for people to stay on their feet, and similar levels could be felt again in the coming days.
The strongest shaking was recorded in Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, with the epicentre located in southern Ibaraki at a depth of approximately 48 kilometres. Surrounding areas, including Fukushima, Chiba and Saitama prefectures, also experienced noticeable but weaker tremors, local media reported.
Authorities confirmed there was no threat of a tsunami, and preliminary assessments found no casualties or serious structural damage. However, safety inspections led to several delays in bullet train services operating between Sendai and Tokyo.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that no abnormalities had been detected at nuclear facilities. He further noted that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had instructed officials to coordinate with local governments to closely track developments and ensure timely updates for the public.
Japan lies along the seismically active “Pacific Ring of Fire,” where multiple tectonic plates converge, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. Despite this, the country is globally recognised for its advanced disaster preparedness, including strict building codes and routine emergency drills.
The nation continues to recover from the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 18,000 lives and triggered meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
