M5.3 Earthquake 112 km ENE of Miyako, Japan — April 22, 2026
2026-04-22 00:01:12 UTC (3 hours ago)
Aftershock of the M5.6 mainshock.
On April 22, 2026 at 00:01 UTC, a magnitude 5.3 shallow crustal earthquake struck 112 km ENE of Miyako, Japan, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 39.9179°, 143.2055°. This earthquake was detected by 96 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 432, placing it among routine seismic activity.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.6 mainshock that occurred 8 hours ago 140 km E of Noda, Japan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
The epicenter is located in Japan, a region characterized by the intersection of four tectonic plates — Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American — creating multiple subduction zones. The nearest mapped fault system is the Japan Trench. View all earthquakes in Japan.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
143.2055°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.3 earthquake near Miyako, Japan?
The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck 112 km ENE of Miyako, Japan on April 22, 2026 at 00:01 UTC had a depth of 35.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 39.9179°, 143.2055°, which is 112 km ENE of Miyako, Japan. View all earthquakes in Japan.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.3 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.6 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.6 mainshock that occurred earlier 140 km E of Noda, Japan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Has Japan had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Japan was the M9.1 Tohoku earthquake of March 11, 2011. Today's magnitude 5.3 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.