Event Overview and Seismic Origin
On December 23, 1854 CE, a major tsunami occurred off the coast of Japan in the Enshunada Sea. The event was initiated at 00:46 by an earthquake with a cataloged magnitude of 8.3. The epicenter was located at geographic coordinates 34.0° N and 137.9° E.
In historical tsunami catalogs, the primary cause code is classified as an earthquake (cause code 1). The event carries a validity rating of 4, the highest confidence category in standard catalogs, designating it as a definite tsunami.
Tsunami Measurements and Documented Impact
The disturbance generated extreme coastal runup along affected Japanese shorelines. The maximum water height documented in the historical record reached 21.0 meters. In scientific catalogs, this figure represents the highest localized water level measurement rather than a uniform wave height along all coastlines.
The event resulted in substantial human loss, with catalog records listing 1,000 fatalities associated with the earthquake and tsunami.
Historical Catalog Summary
The following table summarizes the primary parameters preserved in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database for this historical event.
| Parameter | Database Record |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | December 23, 1854 CE, 00:46 |
| Location | Enshunada Sea, Japan |
| Coordinates | 34.0° N, 137.9° E |
| Earthquake Magnitude | 8.3 |
| Maximum Water Height | 21.0 meters |
| Documented Fatalities | 1,000 |
| Tsunami Validity | 4 (Definite tsunami) |
Frequently asked questions
When did the Enshunada Sea tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on December 23, 1854 CE, following an earthquake recorded at 00:46.
What was the maximum recorded wave height?
The historical database records a maximum water height of 21.0 meters.
What was the magnitude of the associated earthquake?
The associated earthquake in the Enshunada Sea had an estimated magnitude of 8.3.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.