Shallow M5.7 earthquake hits Kōya region, Japan

An M5.7 earthquake was recorded at 09:28 UTC on May 2, 2026, approximately 17 km (11 miles) southwest of Kōya, Japan. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 59.1 km (36.7 miles), based on data provided by USGS.

The coordinates for the event are 34.1°N, 135.5°E, with the epicenter situated inland in the Wakayama prefecture region of Honshu, near notable towns and moderate population densities. Kōya is within the Kansai region, an area known for both rural and urban landscapes.

The region includes several critical infrastructure elements, such as major roadways, railway lines, and nearby urban centers. Energy and telecommunication networks, as well as local transportation links, are common within this part of Wakayama.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity reached approximately V on the Modified Mercalli scale. USGS received 9 felt reports, and the significance index is 504 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Japan is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate interact, making it an area of frequent seismic activity.

This information was last updated at 09:55 UTC on May 2, 2026.