A light magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck 33 km S of Shizunai-furukawachō, Japan on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 05:50:01 PM UTC. This shallow crustal event (65.9 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 43 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
4.3MB
Light Seismic Class
65.9km
Crustal Layer
42.032° N, 142.333° E
GPS Coordinates
43 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.3 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
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Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
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 65.9 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.3. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Japan are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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