Archive · 23 Aug 2026
5.9-Magnitude Japan Earthquake Disrupts Tokyo-Area Train Services
A strong earthquake shook eastern Japan early on August 23.
It happened near southern Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo.
The shaking was strong in parts of Tokyo and nearby prefectures.
Some people were hurt, and a water pipe broke in one Tokyo ward.
Trains were delayed or had to travel more slowly.
Some train services later returned to normal, but certain express routes stayed suspended.
Officials said the earthquake did not create a tsunami.
They warned people to be careful because more shaking could happen over the next week.
A preliminary magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at about 2 a.m. on August 23.
The quake registered lower 5 on Japan’s seven-point intensity scale in parts of Ibaraki, Tokyo, Chiba and Saitama.
Several people were injured in Saitama Prefecture and Kawasaki, while a ruptured water main was reported in Tokyo’s Koto Ward.
Train services were delayed or slowed, with Keisei Line operations returning to normal after 9:40 a.m. while some Tobu Railway express routes remained suspended.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported no tsunami threat and warned that aftershocks of up to lower 5 intensity could occur during the following week.
- Who
- Residents, commuters, local authorities, transit operators, the Japan Meteorological Agency and Japanese government officials were affected or involved.
- What
- A preliminary magnitude-5.9 earthquake caused injuries, reported infrastructure damage and train disruptions.
- When
- About 2 a.m. on August 23; officials warned of possible aftershocks over the following week, especially during the next two to three days.
- Where
- Southern Ibaraki Prefecture and the greater Tokyo region, including parts of Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama and Kawasaki.
- Why
- The earthquake produced strong shaking across eastern Japan, prompting safety checks, slower train operations and service suspensions.
- Magnitude
- Preliminary magnitude 5.9
- Epicenter
- Southern Ibaraki Prefecture, at a depth of 68 kilometers
- Maximum reported intensity
- Lower 5 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale
- Tsunami
- No tsunami threat was reported
- Injuries
- Several injuries were reported in Saitama Prefecture and Kawasaki
- Transport impact
- Keisei Line service resumed normally after 9:40 a.m.; some Tobu Railway express routes remained suspended
- Nuclear facilities
- No operational irregularities were reported at Tokai No. 2, Fukushima Daiichi or Fukushima Daini