Japan Hit by Magnitude-6.1 Earthquake Off Eastern Coast

A magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan on Friday evening, Nov. 6, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake's epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 156 kilometers southeast of Hasaki and near Choshi on the coast of Chiba Prefecture. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, classifying it as a shallow offshore event.

Although the strongest shaking was observed in northeastern Japan, the JMA forecasted minor sea-level changes along parts of Chiba Prefecture, with fluctuations expected to remain below 0.2 meters. No tsunami alert was issued following the event. Japan's frequent seismic activity is attributed to its position near the boundaries of several tectonic plates, where the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates move beneath continental plates, causing stresses that can be released as earthquakes.