Shaken Again... "Should I Just Cancel My Trip to Japan?" Heightened Tension as Earthquakes Strike Every Other Day
by Seo Jiyeong
Published 27 Apr.2026 18:29(KST)
Updated 27 Apr.2026 18:32(KST)
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southeastern Hokkaido
Heightened Alert as Strong Quakes Continue Within a Week
"Unrelated to the 7.7 Magnitude Quake Off Honshu Coast"
Tension is mounting as another earthquake with a magnitude of 6 or higher has struck the Hokkaido region of Japan within a week. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency on April 27, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred at 5:24 a.m. in the sea about 143 kilometers south-southeast of Asahikawa, Hokkaido. The depth of the epicenter was estimated to be about 80 kilometers.
Due to this earthquake, parts of southeastern Hokkaido experienced tremors measured at intensity 5-upper on the Japanese seismic scale. An intensity of 5-upper is strong enough that most people have difficulty moving and unsecured furniture may topple over.
Repeated Earthquakes Within a Week... Heightened Alert
Previously, on April 20, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Sanriku coastal area in northeastern Honshu. At that time, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an “Earthquake Early Warning” for Hokkaido and the surrounding seas and urged residents to prepare for the possibility of similarly large earthquakes.
With yet another earthquake of magnitude 6 occurring under these circumstances, local tension has risen even further. In particular, the repeated earthquakes in the same region within a short period have kept concerns about aftershocks high.
"Low Direct Connection to Major Earthquake"
However, the Japan Meteorological Agency stated that it is difficult to view this earthquake as a direct aftershock related to the earlier magnitude 7.7 quake. The agency explained that the energy difference between the two magnitudes is significant, making it unreasonable to interpret them as the same seismic activity.
Experts point out that although magnitude 6 and 7 earthquakes may seem similar, in terms of actual energy released, the difference can range from several hundred to several thousand times. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that a major earthquake is imminent based solely on the consecutive occurrence of these quakes.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted directly on social media on this day, stating that immediately after the earthquake, a liaison office was established in the crisis management center of the Prime Minister’s Office, and that the administration is making every effort to assess the damage and provide accurate information in response to the situation.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.