Earthquakes in Japan — October 2026
10 earthquakes were recorded in Japan during October 2026, an average of 0.3 per day.
10 reached magnitude 4 or above and 3 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 57 km.
The month's largest event in Japan was a magnitude 5.5 earthquake near Volcano Islands, Japan on 04 October 2026 at 11:12 UTC. A magnitude 5.5 earthquake radiates roughly 2,682 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 48 recorded the previous month.
80% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 20% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). The mix is dominated by shallow crustal events, with a minority of intermediate-depth activity.
By band, the catalogue holds 7 in the magnitude 4 range, 3 in the magnitude 5 range.
Activity peaked on 01 October, when 3 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M5.5 near Volcano Islands, Japan on 04 October at 10 km; M5.3 near Yōkaichiba, Japan on 01 October at 42 km; M5.1 near Miyako, Japan on 01 October at 35 km.
That is 82% below the 55 events Japan averages per month across the 23 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Japan, October 2026
10 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | Volcano Islands, Japan | 10.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 5.3 | Yōkaichiba, Japan | 41.6 | Japan | View details View | |
| 5.1 | Miyako, Japan | 35.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Volcano Islands, Japan | 35.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.8 | Koshima, Japan | 37.5 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Yonakuni, Japan | 156.2 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Ibusuki, Japan | 126.9 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Noda, Japan | 50.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Satte, Japan | 65.0 | Japan | View details View | |
| 4.3 | Izu Islands, Japan | 10.0 | Japan | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Japan in October 2026?
10 earthquakes were recorded in Japan during October 2026, of which 10 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Japan in October 2026?
A magnitude 5.5 event near Volcano Islands, Japan on 04 October 2026.
Other months in Japan
Magnitudes for October 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.