A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, early on Sunday, August 23, 2026, injuring at least 37 people, according to Japanese authorities. The quake occurred at a depth of about 68 kilometers (42 miles), with the epicenter in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, close to Tokyo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported strong shaking in the Kanto region, including parts of Tokyo, but no tsunami warning was issued. The earthquake disrupted train services temporarily, and some buildings sustained minor damage, such as cracked walls and broken windows.
Local hospitals treated injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to a few fractures, but no fatalities have been reported. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed the injury count and said rescue teams were assessing the situation.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes common. The country has strict building codes designed to withstand seismic activity, which helped limit damage in this event.
