Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Hokkaido region, Japan
A strong M6.0 earthquake registered by the USGS hit the Hokkaido region, Japan, at 13:44 UTC on August 23, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 43 km (27 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake in Hokkaido region, Japan on August 23, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 34 km (21 miles) SSW of Honchō (population 4 482), 36 km (22 miles) S of Urakawa (population 12 800), 67 km (42 miles) SE of Shizunai-furukawachō (population 22 436), 124 km (77 miles) SSW of Obihiro (population 165 851), and 183 km (114 miles) SE of Sapporo (population 1 973 832), Hokkaido, Japan.
1.9 million people are estimated to have felt light shaking, and 3.4 million weak.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. No estimated GDP loss data are available.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.0 earthquake 33 km SSW of Honchō, Japan – USGS – August 23, 2026
2 M6.0 earthquake Hokkaido, Japan region – EMSC – August 23, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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