Japan Powerful M7.5 Earthquake Strikes
Powerful M7.5 Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Tsunami Warnings
Location: Japan (Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido prefectures)
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 (later revised to 7.5 ) struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan late Monday night, December 8, 2025, at around 11:15 PM local time. The quake registered a maximum seismic intensity of upper 6 on Japan's seven-point scale in Hachinohe City, a level at which it is difficult to remain standing or move without crawling.
Authorities issued immediate tsunami warnings for the Pacific coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate, and central Hokkaido, urging residents in those regions to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially warned of potential tsunami heights up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet). Tsunami waves of up to 70 centimeters (about 27 inches) were observed at several ports before all warnings and advisories were lifted early Tuesday morning.
Updates:
- Magnitude and Intensity: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.5 and a maximum intensity of upper 6 (on the JMA scale) in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture.
- Damage and Injuries: At least 30 people were reported injured across the affected region, with one fire reported. Reports indicated broken windows, ruptured water pipes, and dangling power cables.
- Infrastructure: Some Shinkansen (bullet train) services were temporarily suspended, and thousands of households briefly lost power. No irregularities were detected at nuclear power plants in the region.
- Aftershock Warning: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and JMA officials have warned residents to remain on high alert, as the possibility of further strong aftershocks—potentially registering an intensity of lower 6—remains elevated for at least a week.
Official advice*
The JMA issued a "special weather agency alert" for the first time since the system was introduced in December 2022, indicating that the likelihood of another massive quake (magnitude 8.0 or greater) along the trench off the coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku has increased compared to normal times.
Residents are strongly advised to review their daily earthquake preparedness, secure furniture, and prepare to evacuate immediately if strong shaking is felt.
TOKYO Authorities in Japan have lifted all tsunami warnings and advisories following a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture late Monday night. The tremor, which injured at least 34 people and caused minor damage, prompted a "special alert" from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warning of an increased risk of a potential mega-quake in the coming week.
Current Situation
- Tsunami Lifted: All tsunami warnings were lifted early Tuesday morning after the largest observed wave reached 70 centimeters (about 27 inches) in Iwate Prefecture, significantly lower than the initially predicted 3-meter waves.
- Casualties & Damage: At least 34 people were reported injured across Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, mostly from falling objects. Minor infrastructure damage was reported, including ruptured water pipes and a collapsed road section in Aomori.
- Infrastructure & Power: Shinkansen (bullet train) services were temporarily suspended for safety checks, but operations are aiming to resume later today. Power outages affected thousands of homes, though electricity was largely restored by Tuesday morning.
- Nuclear Facilities: No major irregularities were detected at nuclear power plants in the region. A minor water spill from a spent fuel pool at the Rokkasho reprocessing plant was contained on-site and posed no safety threat.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to:
- Remain on high alert for aftershocks and check for information from local governments.
- Secure furniture within homes and prepare emergency kits.
- Be ready to evacuate immediately if significant shaking is felt again.
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