Chiba prefecture, Japan. Photo Shutterstock An earthquake registering an intensity of 5-minus and 5.4 magnitude struck northeastern Chiba Prefecture in Japan at around 12:07 a.m. local time on Thursday, October 29, 2026, according to Japan’s Cabinet Office for Disaster Management.
Authorities urged residents in areas affected by strong shaking to remain calm and act carefully while awaiting further information.
The seismic intensity level of 5-minus on Japan’s domestic scale indicates strong shaking that can make it difficult for people to move without holding on to something. Objects may fall from shelves, and unsecured furniture can move or topple.
Officials advised residents to stay alert for additional updates as information about the earthquake becomes available.
As a reminder, earlier this month, Japan canceled an emergency earthquake alert after its early-warning system mistakenly estimated a magnitude 9.9 earthquake. The actual quake measured 6.9, with no tsunami threat reported