Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Iwate Prefecture, Japan (Updated)
A M6.0 earthquake was recorded at 12:08 UTC on July 1, 2026, about 49 km (30 miles) east of Noda, Japan, at a depth of 43.6 km (27.1 miles). The event was registered by the US Geological Survey and classified as a shallow earthquake based on its depth.
The coordinates 40.2°N, 142.4°E place the epicenter offshore, to the east of Noda in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Honshu. This region borders the Pacific coastline and is characterized by sparsely populated rural areas, with Noda being the nearest town of note.
Critical infrastructure in the region could include coastal highways, fisheries, and small harbors serving local communities, given the proximity to the Sanriku coastal zone. Major urban centers and high-density infrastructure are located further inland.
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 IV, with three felt reports submitted. The significance index is 555 (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, at the convergent boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, making it highly seismically active. Offshore Iwate Prefecture is an area known for major subduction-related earthquakes.
This information was last updated at 12:59 UTC on July 1, 2026.