Japan was shaken by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Shimane Prefecture in the western part of the country, with seismic intensity levels above 5 recorded in several areas. Major Shinkansen train lines suspended services temporarily, while authorities confirmed no tsunami occurred.
On 6 January 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported a strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Chugoku region in western Japan at 09:18 on Tuesday, 6 January. The epicenter was in Shimane Prefecture. Seismic intensity levels in Shimane and Tottori prefectures reached level 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 0 to 7, strong enough to cause difficulty moving without holding onto something. Meanwhile, Sakaiminato city in Tottori experienced intensity level 4.
Reports indicated several aftershocks followed the main quake, measuring 4.5, 5.1, 3.8, and 5.4 in succession. However, authorities confirmed there was no tsunami risk in the area.
West Japan Railway Company (JR West) announced a temporary suspension of Shinkansen services on the Sanyo line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations after power outages caused by the earthquake.
Chugoku Electric Power Company, which operates the Shimane nuclear power plant, stated that as of 10:45 a.m., no abnormalities were detected at the plant. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority also confirmed no safety system irregularities. Japanese authorities reported no serious damage or injuries from the incident and emphasized that Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone countries worldwide, continues to operate its early warning systems normally.
Source: NHK / Channel News Asia