Tokyo Earthquake: Latest Updates & Real-time Reports (2025)

Latest Earthquake Reports in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, is one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the world due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Understanding the latest seismic activity is crucial for residents, travelers, and investors.

📌 Recent Earthquakes in Tokyo

Recent Earthquakes in Japan (2025)

For real-time earthquake updates, check the following sources:

• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
• NHK World Earthquake Reports
• United States Geological Survey (USGS)
• Japan Weather Association Earthquake Information
• The HEADLINE Earthquake Alerts (Tokyo)
• Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute

Why Does Tokyo Experience Frequent Earthquakes?

Tokyo is located at the convergence of four major tectonic plates:

• Pacific Plate
• Philippine Sea Plate
• Eurasian Plate
• North American Plate

The movement of these plates results in frequent seismic activity, ranging from minor tremors to major quakes. The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake (Magnitude 7.9) was one of the most devastating in Tokyo’s history.

Major Earthquakes Near Tokyo in Recent Years

📌 M5.3 Earthquake in Kanto Region (March 21, 2024)

On March 21, 2024, at 9:08 AM JST, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, affecting the Tokyo metropolitan area. The strongest shaking, recorded at seismic intensity 5 lower, was observed in Shimotsuke City (Ibaraki) and Kazo City (Saitama). The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake was a reverse fault-type event, occurring at a depth of 50 km.

Effects and Impact

• No tsunami warnings were issued.
• Intensity 4 was recorded in Kasama City (Ibaraki), Tatebayashi City (Gunma), and Noda City (Chiba).
• Intensity 3 was felt in central Tokyo and surrounding areas.
• Shinkansen services (Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku) were temporarily suspended due to the quake.
• No abnormalities were reported at the Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency advised residents in affected areas to stay alert for potential landslides and aftershocks for the next week.

📌Summary of the Earthquake in Tokyo and Surrounding Areas (October 14, 2024)

Overview

On October 14, 2024, at approximately 7:46 PM (JST), an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 struck the northwestern part of Chiba Prefecture, affecting Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. The depth of the earthquake was estimated at 70 km, and there was no tsunami risk reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Seismic Intensity by Region

Saitama Prefecture

• Seismic Intensity 3: Soka City, Asaka City, Yashio City
• Seismic Intensity 2: Multiple locations, including Saitama City (various wards), Kawagoe, Kawaguchi, Tokorozawa, and others
• Seismic Intensity 1: Several areas, including Hanno, Toda, Fukaya, and Chichibu

Chiba Prefecture

• Seismic Intensity 3: Ichikawa City, Funabashi City, Futtsu City
• Seismic Intensity 2: Multiple locations, including Chiba City (various wards), Matsudo, Noda, Kashiwa, and others
• Seismic Intensity 1: Several areas, including Narita, Katori, and Isumi

Tokyo Metropolis

• Seismic Intensity 3: Chiyoda Ward, Minato Ward, Setagaya Ward, Shibuya Ward, and others
• Seismic Intensity 2: Multiple locations, including Shinjuku, Taito, Sumida, Koto, and others
• Seismic Intensity 1: Areas such as Musashino, Mitaka, and Oshima

Kanagawa Prefecture

• Seismic Intensity 3: Yokohama (several wards), Kawasaki, Miura, Yamato
• Seismic Intensity 2: Several cities, including Yokosuka, Fujisawa, Chigasaki, and Odawara
• Seismic Intensity 1: Various areas, including Isehara and Hakone

Other Affected Prefectures

• Ibaraki Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 2 in Kasama, Tsukuba, and other areas
• Tochigi Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 2 in Utsunomiya, Sano, and others
• Gunma Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 2 in Shibukawa, Oizumi
• Yamanashi Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 2 in Fujikawaguchiko
• Shizuoka Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 2 in Atami, Fujinomiya
• Nagano Prefecture: Seismic Intensity 1 in Chino and other locations

How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake in Tokyo

If you are in Tokyo and experience an earthquake, follow these safety measures:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On – Find shelter under a sturdy table or desk.
2. Stay Indoors If Safe – Avoid running outside as falling debris can be hazardous.
3. Evacuate to Designated Areas – Tokyo has many designated evacuation sites, including:
   • Ueno Park (Taito City)
   • Yoyogi Park (Shibuya)
   • Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku City)
4. Use Reliable Sources for Information – Follow NHK World, JMA, or USGS for verified earthquake updates.

Tokyo’s Earthquake Preparedness Measures

Tokyo has one of the most advanced earthquake preparedness systems in the world:

• Seismic-Resistant Buildings – Modern skyscrapers use shock-absorbing materials.
• Early Warning System – Alerts are sent seconds before strong shaking begins.
• Annual Drills – September 1st is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan.

Earthquake Warning & Alerts in Tokyo

The Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) in Japan provides alerts seconds before a major earthquake strikes. These alerts appear on:

• Smartphones (via J-Alert & NHK)
• Television & radio broadcasts
• Public announcement systems in major cities

Recent Earthquakes Near Tokyo

The greater Tokyo area, including Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa, often experiences smaller tremors. Areas near the Sagami Trough and Tokyo Bay are particularly prone to seismic activity.

Impact of Earthquakes on Tokyo Real Estate & Investment

While earthquakes pose risks, Tokyo’s real estate market remains one of the most resilient in the world. The city’s strict building regulations and earthquake-resistant structures make it a safe investment option. Many investors look for properties that adhere to post-1981 earthquake codes for better safety and long-term value.

🏡 Interested in investing in Tokyo real estate? Click here to learn more.

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