A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Japan, with buildings in Osaka and Nara shaking as the tremor struck the Kansai region at around 6.28pm local time – no tsunami warning has been issued
11:57, 02 May 2026Updated 13:23, 02 May 2026
Japan has been struck by more earthquakes(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A powerful 5.7 earthquake has struck part of Japan, causing buildings to shake in major cities. Emergency services have been mobilised in Nara and Osaka after the tremor hit at approximately 6.28pm today, sending significant shockwaves throughout the Kansai region.
The earthquake originated at a depth of roughly 70km in Nara Prefecture according to preliminary reports, with no tsunami alert currently in place, reports the Mirror. An emergency earthquake alert has been issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
People in the Nara Prefecture have been urged to take care due to strong shaking. A map shows the regions in southern parts of the country impacted by the earthquake.
The 5.7-magnitude tremor struck this morning(Image: Data.jma.go.jp)
While at its epicentre there was a magnitude of 5.7, a seismic intensity of 4 was observed around 6.28pm in Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures.
Politician Hirofumi Yoshimura urged people to “stay calm” after the earthquake.
The representative for Osaka, wrote on X: “A magnitude 5.7 earthquake with its epicenter in Nara Prefecture occurred around 6:28 p.m. just now. It registered seismic intensity 4 in Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures.
“Osaka also experienced shaking. There is no concern for a tsunami. Please stay calm and first take actions to protect yourself. Also, please pay attention to information issued by various information agencies.”
Last month, we reported how a tsunami warning was issued after Japan was hit with a huge 7.4 magnitude earthquake, with 10ft waves expected “immediately”.
The earthquake was six miles deep and the epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean.
The tremor was reportedly strong enough to shake large buildings as far as Tokyo, hundreds of miles away.
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AloJapan.com