How often does Japan region have earthquakes?

Japan region recorded 4 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 32.4 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.

What was the largest recent earthquake in Japan region?

The largest earthquake in Japan region in the last 5 years was a magnitude 6.5 near Bonin Islands, Japan region.

When was the last major earthquake in Japan region?

The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Japan region was a magnitude 5.2 near Volcano Islands, Japan region.

What magnitude earthquake can you feel?

Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SNAPSHOTUpdated Sep 12, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC

EARTHQUAKES · JAPAN REGION

Japan region Earthquakes

Recent and significant earthquakes in Japan region, drawn from the USGS global earthquake feed and mapped with magnitude and time.

CURRENT STATUSNo active earthquake alerts

Set alerts for Japan region

ANSWER FIRST

Current earthquakes in Japan region (0)

Japan region has recorded 4 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days.

No active items in this snapshot

That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

No active items in this snapshot

That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

Japan region map

Interactive map loads in your browser

Event statusHighElevatedAdvisory Tectonic boundary

Flat vector map

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Recent earthquake history

Japan region has recorded 4 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater in the past 90 days.

Largest in 5 yearsM6.5Bonin Islands, Japan region · Apr 27, 2024

Most recent M5.0+M5.2Volcano Islands, Japan region · Aug 27, 2026

Notable quakes (M5+) per year32.4average over 5 years

92021

292022

732023

312024

72025

132026

Notable earthquakes (magnitude 5.0+) per year in Japan region

Notable earthquakes in Japan region (last 5 years)

Magnitude	Location	Date
M6.5	Bonin Islands, Japan region	Apr 27, 2024
M6.3	Bonin Islands, Japan region	Jan 16, 2023
M6.3	Izu Islands, Japan region	Nov 29, 2021
M6.2	Bonin Islands, Japan region	Jul 7, 2024
M6.1	Volcano Islands, Japan region	Jan 21, 2026
M6.1	Volcano Islands, Japan region	Feb 12, 2024

Get an alert for Japan regionOne email when a hazard becomes active here. Confirm by email, unsubscribe any time.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

How often does Japan region have earthquakes?: Japan region recorded 4 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 32.4 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.
What was the largest recent earthquake in Japan region?: The largest earthquake in Japan region in the last 5 years was a magnitude 6.5 near Bonin Islands, Japan region.
When was the last major earthquake in Japan region?: The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Japan region was a magnitude 5.2 near Volcano Islands, Japan region.
What magnitude earthquake can you feel?: Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

CONTEXT

About earthquakes in Japan region

Most earthquakes are too small to feel. The USGS reports millions of quakes a year worldwide, and the vast majority are below magnitude 2.5. A page showing no recent activity usually means no notable quakes, not that nothing is being measured.

Magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source; shaking you actually feel also depends on depth and how far you are from the epicenter. A shallow magnitude 4 nearby can feel stronger than a deep magnitude 5 far away.

Be prepared

Make a household planPeople, pets, routes, and contacts Build an emergency kitFood, water, medication, and power Know your local risksUnderstand hazards where you live

STAY AHEAD OF CHANGING CONDITIONS

Get alerts for Japan region earthquakes

Choose the places and hazards you care about. We’ll keep the signal clear and the frequency under your control.

Set up alerts