Strong M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan

A strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.0 hit off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu at 12:08 UTC (21:08 JST) on July 1, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). USGS registered this quake as M5.9 at a depth of 37 km (23 miles).

Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake off the east coast of Honshu, Japan on July 1, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google

The epicenter was located about 55 km (34 miles) E of Noda (population 4 201), 58 km (36 miles) E of Kuji (population 34 418), 75 km (45 miles) NE of Miyako (population 51 150), and 88 km (55 miles) ESE of Hachinohe (population 239 046), Japan.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

According to the USGS PAGER, 849 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, and 3.2 million weak.

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.

Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake off the east coast of Honshu, Japan on July 1, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, GoogleEstimated population exposure to earthquake shakingImage credit: USGSSelected cities exposedRegional seismicityImage credit: EMSC

References:

1 M5.9 earthquake off the east coast of Honshu, Japan – USGS – July 1, 2026