M6.0 Earthquake Near Shima, Japan

Published: 2 hours ago•Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:15 PM UTC

A strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck 58 km SSE of Shima, Japan at a deep focal depth of 352.4 km, releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 15 kt of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified USGS telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.

6.0MAG
Strong EarthquakeDeep-Focus Event
Shima, JapanJapan(58 km SSE of)

Seismic Telemetry Specifications

Magnitude

6.0MWW

Strong Seismic Class

Focal Depth

352.4km

Deep Mantle

Epicenter

33.822° N, 136.985° E

GPS Coordinates

Energy Yield

15 kt

TNT Equivalent Power

Network Source

USGS

USGS Real-time Feed

Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map

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USGS Source

Is This Earthquake Dangerous?

A magnitude 6.0 event is classified as a strong earthquake. Can be destructive in populated areas up to ~160 km from the epicenter. Well-built structures withstand shaking, but unreinforced masonry may suffer serious damage.

Estimated Shaking Radius~250–500 km
Potential Damage Zone~100–160 km
Focal Depth EffectDeep Damping

Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities

Shima, Japan• 58 km (36 mi) NNW

Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.

MMI IV • Light
Osaka• 167.2 km (103.9 mi) NW

Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.

MMI IV • Light
Tokyo• 319 km (198.2 mi) NE

Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.

MMI III • Weak
Wada• 334 km (207.5 mi) ENE

Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.

MMI III • Weak

Did You Feel This Earthquake?

Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Japan.

16 people have reported shaking
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Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.

What Does Magnitude 6.0 Mean?

Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:

1.0 – 2.9Micro
3.0 – 3.9Minor
4.0 – 4.9Light
5.0 – 5.9Moderate
6.0 – 6.9Strong
This Event
7.0 – 7.9Major
8.0+Great

Logarithmic Energy Multiplier

Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:

10× Ground Motion Amplitude
The seismograph wave amplitude jumps tenfold for every 1.0 magnitude step.
~31.6× Radiated Kinetic Energy
Total energy release multiplies exponentially (101.5 ≈ 31.62 times per unit).

Why Did This Earthquake Happen?

Japan sits at the complex collision intersection of four major tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates. Subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Japanese archipelago creates intense strain that releases as high-frequency megathrust earthquakes and volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Originating at a depth of 352.4 km (Deep Mantle Transition Zone (>300 km)), this rupture occurred generated deep within earth's mantle under immense hydrostatic pressure. surface shaking is significantly damped despite large energy release.

Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors

Following an earthquake of magnitude 6.0, an active aftershock sequence is expected over the coming days and weeks. In accordance with Omori's Law and Båth's Law of seismology, secondary tremors decrease in frequency over time, with the largest expected aftershock historically averaging approximately 1.0 to 1.2 magnitude units below the mainshock. Local residents should remain vigilant for secondary shaking, particularly when inspecting older structures or unreinforced masonry.

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Earthquake Safety Action Plan

Complete Safety Guide →
During the Shaking
  • •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
  • •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
  • •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
Immediately After
  • •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
  • •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
  • •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
Preparation & Kits
  • •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
  • •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
  • •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about this earthquake.

No. No tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the USGS for this M6.0 event. The focal depth (352.4 km) and magnitude did not generate sufficient vertical seafloor displacement to trigger a hazardous tsunami wave.

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