Japan earthquake hits Chiba Prefecture with magnitude 5.5

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Chiba Prefecture in Japan on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 12:07 a.m. local time. The epicenter was located about 5 kilometers east-southeast of Asahi, with an estimated depth between 41 and 52 kilometers.

The tremors were felt strongly across the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions, including Ibaraki, Tochigi, Saitama, and Kanagawa prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the strongest shaking in Yokoshibahikari, Chiba, reaching an intensity of 5 on the Shindo scale.

No tsunami threat was issued by the USGS or the JMA. As of current reports, there have been no confirmed casualties or significant damage reported by police and fire departments. The Japanese government established an information liaison office at the Prime Minister’s Office to assess potential impacts, and authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks over the coming week.