The epicenter was located 49 km (31 miles) ESE of Ōfunato (population 35 452), 52 km (32 miles) SE of Kamaishi (population 43 107), 59 km (37 miles) SSE of Ōtsuchi (population 11 572), 67 km (42 miles) SSE of Yamada (population 15 195), and 129 km (80 miles) SE of Morioka (population 290 700), Iwate, Japan.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 849 000 moderate, 5 750 000 light and 364 000 weak.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), there is no tsunami threat from this event.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
Image credit: USGSEstimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Image credit: USGS
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Image credit: EMSC
References:
1 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – USGS – May 15, 2026
2 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – EMSC – May 15, 2026
3 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – PTWC – May 15, 2026