Western Japan Hit by Strong 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake

The agency said the earthquake originated in eastern Shimane Prefecture and confirmed that no tsunami alert was issued.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said an initial magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Japan’s western Chugoku region on Tuesday, followed by a series of large aftershocks.

The agency said the first quake was centered in eastern Shimane Prefecture, and there was no tsunami threat. Chugoku Electric Power operates the Shimane Nuclear Power Station about 32 km (20 miles) away.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority said there was no malfunction at the plant.

A spokesman said the utility was investigating whether there was any impact on the plant’s No. 2 unit, which has been operating since December 2024 after being shut down following the Fukushima disaster in March 2011.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.