An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck southern Tokachi in Hokkaido early Monday morning, registering a strong 5-plus on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in Urahoro Town.
The tremor occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m. Local time on April 27, 2026, with its epicenter located offshore in southern Tokachi at a depth of about 83 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued following the quake.
In Urahoro Town, where the strongest shaking was felt, the local museum reported damage including cracked display glass and fallen exhibits. Officials confirmed that a woman in her 90s sustained minor injuries after falling at a senior care facility in Hakodate City while changing clothes.
Transportation across the region faced significant disruptions. JR Hokkaido announced the cancellation of 66 train services, including 10 limited express routes, affecting lines such as the Hidaka and Nemuro main lines. Delays were also reported on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line, while the Hokkaido Shinkansen continued operating normally.
Other areas observing seismic intensity of 4 or higher included Obihiro, Sapporo’s Kiyota Ward, Kushiro, Bandai, Chitose, and Mikasa. Shaking of intensity 3 was reported in locations ranging from Ishikari and Ebetsu to Atsuma and Kushiro.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this marks the first time since February 2, 2013, that an earthquake of intensity 5-plus or greater has been recorded in the Tokachi region. The agency also noted that while this event is not covered by the current aftershock advisory, similar levels of shaking could persist for approximately one week.
Emergency coordination meetings began at 9:30 a.m. As local authorities initiated damage assessments and information gathering efforts.
