Magnitude 6.2 Quake Strikes Western Japan

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 hit the western Chugoku region of Japan on Tuesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, followed by a series of sizeable aftershocks.

The epicenter of the first earthquake, which hit at 10:18 a.m., was in Shimane Prefecture, the agency said, adding that there was no danger of a tsunami.

Chugoku Electric Power operates the Shimane Nuclear Power Station, about 32 km away. Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority said there were no irregularities at the plant.

A spokesperson said the utility was checking on any impact on the plant's No.2 unit, which has been operating since December 2024 after being shut down following the March 2011 disasters in Fukushima.

Other temblors followed, including an M5.4 quake at 10:37 a.m.

West ‌Japan Railway said it suspended bullet train operations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata following the quake but services resumed at 1 p.m.