Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits near Honchō, Japan

A shallow M6.0 earthquake was recorded at 13:44 UTC on August 23, 2026, approximately 33 km (21 miles) south-southwest of Honchō, Japan. The event was registered at a depth of 42.9 km (26.7 miles) and has been reviewed by the USGS.

The coordinates place the epicenter at 41.8°N, 142.8°E, positioning it near the coastline of Honchō in northern Japan. This area is part of the Pacific coastal region, known for its proximity to active seismic zones.

Given the region’s developed infrastructure, critical facilities such as transportation networks, local highways, and power lines may be present within the affected area. Ports and coastal installations could also be in proximity due to the event’s location near the shoreline.

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 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Three felt reports were received by the USGS. The significance index is 555 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Japan is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate, resulting in high seismicity and frequent major earthquakes in the region.

This information was last updated at 14:14 UTC on August 23, 2026.

For more details, visit the USGS event page: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000tmz6