Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits near Asahi, Japan

An earthquake measured at M5.5 was recorded at 15:07 UTC on October 28, 2026, approximately 5 km (3 miles) east-southeast of Asahi, Japan, at a depth of 41.4 km (25.7 miles).

The coordinates of 35.7°N, 140.7°E place the event in Chiba Prefecture on Japan’s eastern coast, near the Pacific shoreline and in proximity to urban and industrial areas with moderate population density.

Given the location, key infrastructure such as regional highways, railway lines, and utilities serving both urban and coastal communities could be nearby.

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.

Reports indicate a maximum estimated intensity of nearly V (4.775), with nine felt reports submitted. The significance index is 468 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Chiba Prefecture and the broader Kanto region are part of a tectonically active area influenced by the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, which frequently generates earthquakes of varying magnitudes.

This information was last updated at 15:34 UTC on October 28, 2026.