Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake at Depth 34 km Strikes Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan on 8th August 2026

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near the east coast of Honshu, Japan on 8th August 2026 at 17:57 UTC, with a focal depth of 34 km. The epicentre was located 42 km east of Noda, Japan, at coordinates 40.1723°N, 142.3107°E.

Event Details

• Magnitude: 5.6 (Moderate)
• Depth: 34 km (Shallow)
• Time: 2026‑08‑08 17:57 UTC
• Epicentre: 42 km E of Noda, Honshu
• USGS Event ID: us6000tjaj
• Review Status: Reviewed

Shaking & Impact

Estimated shaking reached MMI 4.1, meaning light to moderate shaking was possible across nearby cities. One felt report was submitted, with a maximum community intensity of CDI 3.8. Nearby population exposures included:

• Kuji: MMI 4.1
• Noda: MMI 4
• Hachinohe: MMI 3.8

A GREEN PAGER alert was issued, indicating low likelihood of casualties or economic losses. Buildings in the region are generally resistant to seismic shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.

Energy Release

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 3,788 tons of TNT, making it capable of producing noticeable shaking over a wide area.

Tsunami Risk

No tsunami alert was associated with this event. Earthquakes below M6.5 rarely generate damaging tsunamis, and this quake occurred inland rather than beneath the seafloor.

Regional Seismic Context

The east coast of Honshu is one of Japan’s most seismically active regions due to complex interactions along the Pacific Plate. Within roughly 200 km of the epicentre, 345 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or above have been recorded in recent years, highlighting persistent tectonic activity.

Safety Reminder

Residents in affected areas should follow standard earthquake safety guidance:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On during shaking
• Stay away from unstable structures
• Expect possible aftershocks
• Report any shaking to USGS to support seismic mapping

Related Guide
Why Earthquakes Happen — A Simple Explanation