multiverse May 2, 2016:

The term "epicentral earthquake" is 和製英語. Be more careful about Japanese English.

James Hodges Apr 25, 2016:

You might have a look at some of the English language materials both over on the Japan Meteorological Agency website and the Tokyo Government website. The former used to have a rather detailed section on earthquakes and the latter has its disaster preparedness manuals. There is also a fair bit of information on the Disaster Preparedness Agency website.

Furthermore, this whole 直下型地震 theory is tied into the planning that is happening vis-a-vis the next big Tokyo quake.

Port City Apr 24, 2016:

If you aren't sure which term is the most appropriate, you just google each term listed in the dictionaries to see which one is often used by mass media. I think both 'epicentral earthquake' and 'inland earthquake' are often used. In the link below, NHK used "inland quake".
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/japanindepth/201...