5.0

M5.0 Earthquake 147 km E of Tatsugō, JapanApril 23, 2026

2026-04-23 22:52:54 UTC (4 hours ago)

On April 23, 2026 at 22:52 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 147 km E of Tatsugō, Japan, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 28.3412°, 131.0964°. This earthquake was detected by 57 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.

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

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 28.34°, 131.10°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.0 mww
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
28.3412°N
131.0964°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000ssga
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
385
Stations Used
57
Azimuthal Gap
78.0°
Min Station Distance
2.514°
RMS Residual
0.91 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-23 23:09:26 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Tatsugō, Japan?

The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 147 km E of Tatsugō, Japan on April 23, 2026 at 22:52 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 28.3412°, 131.0964°, which is 147 km E of Tatsugō, Japan. View all earthquakes in Japan.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

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 5.0 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.