Earthquake Strikes Japan: A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck off the northeastern coast of Japan late Monday night, triggering urgent tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures.
Table of Contents
Major 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Northeast; Tsunami Warnings Active
The quake, which occurred at approximately 11:15 PM local time (14:15 GMT), has reignited anxieties in a region still deeply scarred by the memories of 2011.
Monday, December 8, 2025 | 11:45 PM JST
The Event: What We Know
The seismic event originated deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) pinpointing the epicenter roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori Prefecture.
The quake struck at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers, a factor that often mitigates surface shaking but remains capable of displacing significant volumes of water.
Residents across northern Japan reported violent, long-duration shaking that rattled furniture and triggered automatic power cutoffs.
The JMA immediately issued a tsunami warning, projecting waves of up to 3 meters (10 feet) for the coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido.
Tsunami Observations & Evacuation
As of midnight, the situation is developing rapidly:
- Projected Impact: Coastal residents have been ordered to evacuate immediately to higher ground. The “Warning” level (distinct from the lower “Advisory”) indicates a serious threat to life and property.
- First Waves: Small tsunami waves of approximately 40 centimeters were observed at Mutsu Ogawara port in Aomori and Urakawa port in Hokkaido shortly before midnight. Officials warn that the first wave is often not the largest and that dangerous currents can persist for hours.
Critical Infrastructure: Nuclear Watch
The earthquake has triggered automatic safety protocols across the region’s energy infrastructure.
- Nuclear Plants: All eyes are on the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture and the Higashidori Nuclear Power Plant in Aomori.
- Status: Operators are currently examining the facilities for “abnormalities.” This is particularly tense given that the Onagawa No. 2 reactor—the closest nuclear facility to the 2011 epicenter—had only recently been in the headlines for its restart operations. As of now, no radiation leaks or critical failures have been reported, but assessments are ongoing.
- Transport: East Japan Railway has suspended operations on several lines, including shinkansen (bullet train) services in the Tohoku region, to allow for emergency track inspections.
A Region on Alert
While there are no immediate reports of major casualties or building collapses, the timing of the quake—striking late at night in winter—complicates evacuation efforts. The affected region is part of the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped zone of high seismic activity.
For the people of Tohoku, this warning is a chilling reminder of the March 2011 disaster. However, over a decade of reinforced sea walls, improved early warning systems, and rigorous drilling has likely saved countless lives tonight.
Japan Earthquake Tsunami 2024: Hope Amidst Devastation
Summary of Key Details
| Metric | Details |
| Magnitude | 7.6 (Preliminary) |
| Time | 11:15 PM JST, Dec 8, 2025 |
| Epicenter | 80km off Aomori Coast |
| Tsunami Forecast | Up to 3 meters (10 ft) |
| Affected Areas | Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate |
| Casualties | None reported (developing) |
Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Today — Sirens, Chaos, Rescue Teams Deploying!
Safety Advisory: If you are in the affected coastal areas, do not return home until the all-clear is given. Tsunami waves can increase in size over time. Move to high ground or a designated tsunami evacuation building immediately.
You may join my Twitter Account for more news updates, Wordle, and more game answers & hints daily.