MATSUE, Japan, Jan. 6, 2026 — A strong earthquake struck western Japan on Tuesday morning, shaking parts of Shimane Prefecture and neighboring Tottori but prompting no tsunami warning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). R
JMA said the quake measured magnitude 6.2 with an inland epicentre in eastern Shimane, at a depth of about 10 kilometres, and registered upper 5 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale in some areas—strong enough to make it difficult to remain steady without holding onto something.
The strongest shaking was felt in and around Matsue, the prefectural capital, and several nearby municipalities, officials said. Early assessments indicated no major structural damage, and authorities initially reported no life-threatening injuries, though fire departments received some reports of minor injuries.
Transportation was disrupted in parts of the region, with bullet-train services temporarily delayed or suspended as operators carried out safety inspections.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said it detected no abnormalities at the Shimane nuclear power plant or related facilities following the quake, a routine check in a country where critical infrastructure is closely monitored after significant tremors.
JMA warned residents to stay alert for aftershocks over the coming week, noting that strong quakes can be followed by additional jolts capable of triggering localized damage such as falling objects or weakened structures.
Japan sits atop the Pacific Ring of Fire, where frequent seismic activity has made rapid safety checks and emergency alerts a standard part of life after major tremors
