Earthquakes in Japan — September 2026
2 earthquakes were recorded in Japan during September 2026, an average of 0.1 per day.
2 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 69 km.
The month's largest event in Japan was a magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Mutsu, Japan on 01 September 2026 at 19:21 UTC. A magnitude 4.6 earthquake radiates roughly 120 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is below the Japan monthly average of 55 events over the period we cover — a comparatively quiet month, and down from the 59 recorded the previous month.
50% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 50% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). A substantial share of intermediate-depth events points to a subducting slab beneath the region rather than purely crustal faulting.
By band, the catalogue holds 2 in the magnitude 4 range.
Activity peaked on 01 September, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M4.6 near Mutsu, Japan on 01 September at 74 km; M4.3 near Shizunai-furukawachō, Japan on 01 September at 64 km.
That is 96% below the 55 events Japan averages per month across the 22 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Japan, September 2026
2 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 | Mutsu, Japan | 74.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.3 | Shizunai-furukawachō, Japan | 63.9 | Japan | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Japan in September 2026?
2 earthquakes were recorded in Japan during September 2026, of which 2 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Japan in September 2026?
A magnitude 4.6 event near Mutsu, Japan on 01 September 2026.
Other months in Japan
Magnitudes for September 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.