A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck western Japan late Tuesday morning, with the epicenter located in Shimane Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The initial quake occurred at 10:18 a.m. local time at a depth of approximately six miles and registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. A second earthquake measuring 5.1 magnitude followed shortly after, registering a lower 5 intensity. Residents across the region reported long, swaying motion, and several aftershocks continued throughout the morning.
The JMA confirmed there is no tsunami risk, but warned that additional earthquakes—potentially reaching upper-5 intensity—could occur over the next week, with the highest likelihood in the next two to three days. Authorities also cautioned residents about the risk of landslides and falling rocks in affected areas.
No injuries have been reported so far. Regional electric power companies said inspections found no abnormalities. Bullet train services were temporarily disrupted, and security cameras captured visible shaking in buildings.
The strongest shaking was recorded in the cities of Matsue and Yasugi in Shimane Prefecture, as well as Sakaiminato and nearby areas in Tottori Prefecture. Lighter shaking was felt across parts of western Japan, including Okayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa, and Ehime.
Officials continue to monitor the situation as aftershocks persist.
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