Fukushima Prefecture (福島県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Tohoku region · Based on HERP official data
Fukushima is where the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. M7.3 (2021) and M7.4 (2022) earthquakes followed. Offshore fault activity continues, and ongoing vigilance is warranted.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Japan Trench
- Off Fukushima Fault Zone
- Iwaki Fault System
Seismic Characteristics
Pacific Plate subduction continues to generate aftershocks off Fukushima — M6–7 earthquakes have recurred repeatedly since 2011. Inland, the Iwaki fault system and other active faults exist. Because Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is located here, checking official Nuclear Regulation Authority statements alongside JMA alerts is advisable during any significant seismic event.
Earthquake History
- M7.4
2022
Fukushima–Miyagi earthquake — Tohoku Shinkansen derailed; 200+ injured
- M7.3
2021
Fukushima earthquake — aftershock of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; 180+ injured
📖 Wikipedia - M9.0
2011
Great East Japan Earthquake — triggered Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident; mass evacuations ordered
📖 Wikipedia
※ Showing M7+ or Intensity 5+ events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. Post-2011 aftershock activity has continued for over a decade. Coastal areas must apply the immediate-evacuation principle without waiting for a tsunami warning.
Traveler Safety Information
Finding Evacuation Shelters
- ✅ Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
- ✅ Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
- ✅ Fukushima Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps
Basic Action Rules
- ✅ At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
- ✅ On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
- ✅ Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
- ✅ Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
- ✅ Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance
Research & Official Sources AI summary
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Repeated post-2011 earthquakes off Fukushima
M6–7 earthquakes have recurred repeatedly off Fukushima since 2011, reflecting ongoing crustal stress readjustment after the megaquake. This activity is expected to continue for decades.
Source: 도호쿠 대학 지진연구소 (2023) -
Current safety and earthquake preparedness for Fukushima visitors
Decontamination and recovery are complete across most of Fukushima's tourist areas — Aizu, Urabandai, Iizaka Onsen, and others operate normally. Radiation levels in tourist areas have returned to those of Tokyo. However, some coastal areas remain restricted; check the prefecture's official site before visiting. During any earthquake, follow nuclear status updates from the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
Source: 후쿠시마현 관광교류국·원자력규제위원회 (2024) -
2022 Fukushima–Miyagi earthquake — Shinkansen derailment analysis
The M7.4 quake in March 2022 derailed a Tohoku Shinkansen train (Yamabiko 223). Over 200 passengers were on board; all escaped without fatalities. The incident highlighted the limits of the early warning system when seismic waves arrive before the detection-to-braking window completes.
Source: 국토교통성 철도사고조사위원회 (2022)
Related Guides
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.