Japan experienced multiple earthquakes on January 10, 2026, reminding foreign residents of the country's ongoing seismic risks and the importance of disaster preparedness. According to NHK, tremors were recorded in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Ogasawara Islands, and follow-up support continues in Tottori Prefecture following a significant earthquake earlier in the month.

On the morning of January 10, Ishikawa Prefecture's Wajima City recorded a magnitude 3 earthquake at approximately 11:22 AM. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed there was no tsunami risk from this event. The tremor was also felt at magnitude 2 intensity in nearby Nanao City, Shika Town, and other areas of the Noto Peninsula. This region has experienced heightened seismic activity in recent years, making continued vigilance essential for residents.

Earlier that same morning at 8:51 AM, the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo experienced a separate magnitude 3 earthquake. Hahajima (Mother Island) recorded the strongest shaking, while nearby Chichijima (Father Island) felt magnitude 2 tremors. The Japan Meteorological Agency similarly confirmed no tsunami threat from this event. While the Ogasawara Islands are relatively remote with a small population, this activity demonstrates the widespread nature of Japan's seismic landscape.

Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in Tottori Prefecture's Nanbu Town, which experienced a magnitude 5-lower earthquake on January 6. According to NHK, local authorities have established a temporary consultation center to assist residents whose homes were damaged in the quake. The center provides guidance on repair costs, structural assessments, and available financial support programs. Residents have been visiting the facility to discuss renovation expenses and seek advice on making their homes more earthquake-resistant.

For foreign residents throughout Japan, these recent events underscore several critical considerations. First, earthquake preparedness should be a priority regardless of your location. While some regions experience more frequent seismic activity than others, Japan's entire archipelago sits on active tectonic plate boundaries, making earthquakes possible anywhere at any time.

Expats should ensure they have emergency supplies readily accessible, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents in waterproof containers. The Japanese government recommends maintaining at least three days' worth of supplies. Additionally, knowing your local evacuation routes and designated shelter locations is essential—this information is typically available from your municipal office and often appears on community disaster maps.

Understanding earthquake early warning systems is equally important. Japan's sophisticated alert system sends notifications through smartphones, television, and radio seconds before strong shaking arrives. Foreign residents should ensure their phones are configured to receive these J-Alert emergency broadcasts. The warnings appear in Japanese, but smartphone translation features can help non-Japanese speakers understand the alerts.

For those who experience property damage, the Tottori example demonstrates that local governments provide support services. Municipal offices typically offer consultation services regarding repairs, insurance claims, and potential financial assistance programs. Don't hesitate to contact your local city or ward office if you need guidance—many municipalities now provide multilingual support services for foreign residents.

Renters should verify that their housing insurance covers earthquake damage, as standard policies often exclude seismic events. Homeowners should consider earthquake insurance (jishin hoken), which supplements standard property insurance and covers repair costs after earthquakes.

Japan's seismic activity is a fundamental aspect of life in the archipelago. While the recent tremors in Ishikawa, Tottori, and the Ogasawara Islands caused limited damage, they serve as important reminders for all residents—foreign and domestic alike—to maintain preparedness and stay informed about local disaster response resources.