For the end of Gregorian year 2012 Japan reported 3,134 “noticeable” earthquakes.  That’s about 1,000 more than the yearly average (from 2001 to 2010).

The Japan Meteorological Agency says 60% of the quakes are considered aftershocks of the 11 March 2011 disasters.  Of course, 2011 was the year Japan experienced the most noticeable quakes, with 10,000 being reported!

It looks like 2013 is starting out big.  From 01 January to 03 January 2013, Japan has already had 12 earthquakes, of magnitude 4+.  For the same three day period in 2012 there were five quakes.

Japan has its own earthquake rating system, different from the U.S. Geological Survey.