Moderate Earthquake Shakes Japan: A Glance at Seismic Activity in the Region
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck near Nakanoshima, Kagoshima-gun, Kagoshima-ken, Japan, at 11:27 am local time on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) initially reported the quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Initial Reports and Magnitude Variations
The quake was also reported by France’s Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS) at a magnitude of 5.1. The citizen-seismograph network RaspberryShake recorded a slightly higher magnitude of 5.2. Seismologists are currently reviewing data, and the exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth may be revised.
Impact and Potential for Damage
Preliminary data suggests the earthquake was not expected to cause significant damage, though it was likely felt as light vibrations in the immediate area. Weak shaking may have been experienced in Nakanoshima, a town located 104 km from the epicenter, which has a population of 740.
Japan’s Seismic Landscape: A Region Prone to Earthquakes
Japan is situated in a highly seismically active zone, known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is where several of the world’s tectonic plates meet, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Philippine Sea Plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate near Japan, generating significant stress and resulting in earthquakes.
Recent Seismic Activity in Japan
Just hours before this event, on February 18, 2026, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake was reported in the Philippine Sea, 103 km southeast of Suwanose-jima Island, Japan. This highlights the ongoing seismic activity in the region.
Staying Informed and Reporting Experiences
VolcanoDiscovery encourages individuals in the affected areas to report their experiences through their website or mobile app. This crowdsourced data helps provide more accurate and timely updates to those interested in learning more about the earthquake.
Earthquake Details
- Date & Time: February 18, 2026, 11:27 am (GMT +9) / 2:27 am GMT
- Magnitude: 5.3 (updated from initial reports)
- Depth: 10.00 km
- Epicenter: 29.22°N / 130.57°E
- Location: Japan
- Primary Data Source: EMSC (EMSC)
Pro Tip:
Download the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app for Android (Android) or iOS (IOS) to receive fast seismic alerts.
FAQ
- What causes earthquakes in Japan?
Japan is located in a highly active seismic zone due to the convergence of several tectonic plates, particularly the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate under the Eurasian Plate. - Is a magnitude 5.1 earthquake strong?
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake is considered moderate. While it’s unlikely to cause significant structural damage, it can be felt by many people and may cause minor impacts. - Where can I find more information about this earthquake?
You can find more information from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and VolcanoDiscovery.
Have you felt this earthquake? Share your experience in the comments below!
