A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Japan late Monday, resulting in two minor tsunamis in the vicinity, though no damage has been reported. The quake occurred at a depth of 36 kilometers, approximately 18 kilometers off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture in the Kyushu region at 21:19 PM local time (12:19 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a warning for potential tsunami waves reaching up to one meter (three feet) and urged the public to steer clear of coastal areas. “Tsunamis can strike multiple times. Please do not enter the sea or approach coastal regions,” the JMA advised on social media platform X.
Two small tsunamis, measuring around 20 centimeters, were detected at ports in the affected region. Local media reported no immediate injuries, and live broadcasts from public broadcaster NHK showed no visible damage, with calm seas and normal operations for vessels and traffic.
Japan, located atop four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The archipelago, home to approximately 125 million residents, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18 percent of the world’s seismic activity. Most of these quakes are minor, but the impact can vary significantly based on their location and depth.
On New Year’s Day 2024, a more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, claiming nearly 470 lives—a tragedy particularly affecting elderly residents. Last August, the JMA warned of an increased likelihood of a “megaquake” following a 7.1-magnitude tremor that injured 15 people. This type of quake, known as a subduction megathrust quake, has historically occurred in pairs and poses a risk of generating massive tsunamis.
The warning was related to the Nankai Trough, an 800-kilometer (500-mile) undersea trench parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast, located between two tectonic plates. This advisory was lifted after a week.
The JMA is currently investigating possible connections to the latest earthquake. Japan has established stringent building regulations designed to ensure structures can withstand significant seismic events and regularly conducts emergency drills in preparation for potential disasters.
The nation remains haunted by the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake that struck off northeastern Japan in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami resulting in approximately 18,500 deaths or disappearances. This disaster also led to the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, marking Japan’s most severe post-war crisis and the most significant nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake off the coast of Fukushima rattled large portions of eastern Japan, resulting in three fatalities. Additionally, Tokyo was devastated by a major earthquake in 1923, which serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic events.
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