Recent earthquakes near Osaka
Osaka lies in the Kansai region of western Japan, threaded by active inland faults including the Uemachi Fault beneath the city itself. It also faces long-term risk from the offshore Nankai Trough megathrust to the south. The 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake struck neighbouring Kobe and caused heavy damage across the region. In the past 24 hours, Osaka has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Osaka get earthquakes?
Osaka feels frequent small earthquakes and occasional damaging ones. The city sits on soft sedimentary basin deposits that can amplify shaking, and several active faults run through the metropolitan area.
Is Osaka at risk from the Nankai Trough?
Yes. A future Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake, considered likely within the coming decades, would produce strong shaking and tsunami risk along the coast south of Osaka. Authorities plan for magnitude 8 to 9 scenarios.
What was the biggest earthquake near Osaka?
The 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, magnitude 6.9, struck nearby Kobe on the Nojima Fault, killing about 6,400 people. A 2018 magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Osaka directly, disrupting the city.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.