The epicenter was located 24.3 km (14.1 miles) SSE of Saiki (population 49 065), 38 km (23.6 miles) SSE of Tsukumiura (population 21 658), and 40.4 km (25.1 miles) ENE of Nobeoka (population 121 949), Japan.

There are about 1.7 million living within 100 km (62 miles).

10,000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking and 520,000 moderate shaking.
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 heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.