A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck offshore near Japan’s eastern Noda region on New Year’s Eve, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at a depth of about 19.3 km, or nearly 12 miles. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage.
No tsunami warning issued
Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said no tsunami warning or advisory was issued after the quake. Officials added that the event did not increase the risk of a major tsunami and confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored.
The latest tremor follows a string of earthquakes recorded across Japan in recent weeks. On November 30, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Tokara Islands in southern Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. A 4.8-magnitude quake rattled the same region a day later.
Earlier in December, a much stronger earthquake measuring about 7.5 in magnitude struck near the Aomori region in northern Honshu. That quake triggered tsunami warnings, with waves of up to 50 to 70 centimetres reported along parts of the Hokkaido and Tohoku coasts. Several people were injured.
According to the USGS, at least 52 people were injured nationwide due to recent seismic activity. Aftershocks from earlier quakes also led to Japan issuing its first “megaquake” advisory for the region, highlighting heightened seismic concern, though no evacuation orders were linked to the New Year’s Eve quake.
Ongoing monitoring and preparedness
Japanese authorities are continuing to assess infrastructure for any damage and are maintaining emergency preparedness in affected areas. Residents have been advised to follow updates from the JMA and the Cabinet Office as scientists analyse aftershock patterns to assess ongoing risks.
Japan’s earthquake risk
Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, with frequent tremors due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country accounts for about 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher. The northeastern region of Japan suffered one of its deadliest disasters on March 11, 2011, when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Sendai. The quake triggered massive tsunamis that devastated large parts of the Pacific coastline and killed nearly 20,000 people.