Earthquake of Intensity 5-Low Strikes Tokyo and Surrounding Prefectures

An earthquake registering intensity 5-low on the Japanese seismic scale shook several prefectures, including Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, and Tokyo, early on August 23, 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake's magnitude at 5.0.

In Tokyo's Shibuya ward, the NHK broadcast center experienced a prolonged horizontal shaking that lasted for more than 30 seconds after the emergency earthquake alarm sounded. While objects on desks and shelves did not fall, the intensity of the tremor was noticeable.

Authorities confirmed that there were no tsunami warnings issued following the earthquake. The Ibaraki prefecture's Koga City police station reported that the shaking lasted for about 30 seconds. The Tokai Daini nuclear power plant, currently offline for long-term operation, is being checked for any abnormalities.

The event has prompted renewed attention to earthquake preparedness in Japan, a country highly susceptible to seismic activity. Information regarding earthquake safety, including emergency supplies and city-specific seismic intensity maps, is being widely disseminated.