Archive · 6 Jan 2026
6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Western Japan
A big earthquake happened in western Japan on Tuesday.
It was a magnitude 6.2, which is quite strong.
The earthquake's center was in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture.
About 10 minutes later, there was a smaller aftershock with a magnitude of 5.1.
The weather agency said there was no danger of a big wave called a tsunami.
There is a nuclear power station about 32 kilometers away, but officials said it was okay.
The fast trains, called Shinkansen, stopped running between Shin-Osaka and Hakata because of the earthquake.
Earthquakes happen a lot in Japan because it's in a very active area for them.
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Shimane Prefecture in western Japan at 10:18 am on Tuesday.
The quake registered a strong 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 1-7.
A second tremor of magnitude 5.1 followed 10 minutes later, measuring a lower 5 on the intensity scale.
No tsunami threat was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The Shimane Nuclear Power Station, about 32 km away, reported no irregularities, but checks are ongoing.
- Who
- Japan Meteorological Agency, Chugoku Electric Power, West Japan Railway
- What
- Magnitude 6.2 earthquake followed by a 5.1 aftershock
- When
- 10:18 am local time on Tuesday, with an aftershock at 10:28 am
- Where
- Shimane Prefecture, Chugoku region, western Japan
- Why
- Japan is one of the world's most seismically active areas
Earthquake Response
Earthquake Impact
Immediate Response
Earthquake Response
The Japan Meteorological Agency quickly assessed the situation and determined there was no tsunami threat.
Earthquake Impact
The Shimane Nuclear Power Station conducted checks to ensure no irregularities, though none were initially reported.
Transportation Disruptions
Earthquake Response
West Japan Railway suspended Shinkansen operations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata as a precautionary measure.
Earthquake Impact
The suspension of Shinkansen services caused delays for passengers traveling between major cities.
- Magnitude
- 6.2
- Location
- Shimane Prefecture, Chugoku region, western Japan
- Time
- 10:18 am local time on Tuesday
- Seismic Intensity
- Strong 5 on Japan's 1-7 scale
- Aftershock
- Magnitude 5.1, 10 minutes later
- Tsunami Threat
- None issued
- Nuclear Power Station
- Shimane Nuclear Power Station, 32 km away
- Shinkansen Operations
- Suspended between Shin-Osaka and Hakata
- Depth
- Approximately 10 kilometers
- Affected Cities
- Matsue and Yasugi
Sources
Magnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes Japan’s Chugoku region
Japan earthquake: Magnitude 6.2 quake strikes western Japan
Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Japan; another follows minutes later
6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Japan
Japan Earthquake: Alert Issued After Powerful 6.3-Magnitude Quake Strikes Shimane Prefecture
Strong magnitude-6.2 earthquake strikes Japan’s Chugoku region
6.2 magnitude quake rattles western Japan's Shimane Prefecture. Is there a tsunami warning?
Strong 6.2 Earthquake Hits Western Japan, Epicentre At Depth Of 10 Kilometers Inland
Strong Earthquake Hits Japan, but No Risk of Tsunami, Officials Say
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan's Shimane, no tsunami warning issued
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan’s Shimane, no tsunami warning issued
Strong earthquake hits western Japan, no tsunami warning issued
