Japan: 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolts west coast; no tsunami warning issued

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake early Tuesday struck the coast of western Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, with no tsunami warning issued.

The tremor was recorded at 10:18 am (0118 GMT) in Shimane prefecture, according to the agency.


There were no immediate reports of damage, and the US Geological Survey gave a slightly lower reading of 5.8.

The quake registered upper five on Japan’s Shindo intensity scale in the western city of Yasugi, a level at which heavy furniture can fall and drivers may struggle to control their vehicles.

The JMA said the same region experienced a series of smaller tremors soon after, measuring 4.5, 5.1, 3.8 and 5.4, with no tsunami warnings issued.

Japan lies on four major tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is among the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.

The country, home to about 125 million people, records roughly 1,500 quakes annually. Most are mild, though their impact differs depending on their depth and location.