A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck southwestern Japan late on January 13, 2025. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook southwestern Japan on January 13, 2025, occurring at a depth of 36 kilometers and roughly 18 kilometers from Miyazaki prefecture’s coastline around 9:19 PM local time. The tremor led to the formation of two minor tsunamis; however, there were no reports of injuries or damage in the affected areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency had initially issued warnings for potential tsunami waves but later confirmed that the situation was under control and urged residents to remain cautious near coastal areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings for potential tsunami waves of up to one meter (three feet) and advised the public to avoid coastal areas. They cautioned that tsunamis can strike multiple times, urging people not to enter the sea or approach the shore. Reports indicated that two small tsunamis, measuring about 20 centimeters, were detected at local ports.
Fortunately, local media reported no immediate injuries or significant damage. Live broadcasts from NHK showed calm seas and normal operations in the region, with vessels and traffic moving without disruption. Japan lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area renowned for its intense seismic activity. This area experiences around 1,500 earthquakes each year, making Japan one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
While most quakes are minor, they can vary in impact based on their location and depth. The country has a history of devastating earthquakes, including a deadly 7.5-magnitude quake on January 1, 2024, which resulted in nearly 470 fatalities. The JMA is currently investigating any possible connections between this recent quake and prior seismic activity in the region.
Japan maintains strict building regulations to withstand earthquakes and regularly conducts emergency drills to prepare for potential disasters. However, the memory of the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 still lingers, which caused widespread devastation and led to a nuclear crisis at Fukushima.
