Tokyo, Japan – December 8, 2025: A major magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern Pacific coast late Monday, prompting evacuations, a tsunami warning, and widespread concern across northern Japan. The tremor, centered near Misawa in Aomori Prefecture, shook the region for approximately 30 seconds, leaving thousands without power and causing injuries in affected areas.

Tsunami Waves Hit Northern Japan

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake, with waves recorded at up to 70 centimeters (2 feet 4 inches) reaching the coast. Ports in Aomori and surrounding areas reported impacts, while residents in coastal towns sought safety on higher ground.

By early Tuesday, the JMA had lifted the tsunami warning, replacing it with a lower-level advisory for several hours before canceling it completely. Officials cautioned that strong aftershocks could follow in the coming days.

Local Impact and Disruptions

Public broadcaster NHK reported that residents in Hachinohe fled homes to seek shelter at city halls. Shattered glass and minor structural damage were visible in live footage from the region. Approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori were left without electricity, and multiple fires were reported. Some injuries were also documented.

High-speed train services, including the Shinkansen between Fukushima and Aomori, were temporarily suspended. NHK reporters in Sapporo, Hokkaido, described the quake as horizontal shaking that made standing difficult.

Seismic Details and Nuclear Safety

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a depth of 44 kilometers (27 miles). Government officials confirmed that Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants in northern Japan showed no abnormalities following the tremor, with safety equipment functioning normally. Inspections continue across other nuclear facilities.

Japan, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, experiences frequent seismic activity. The country sees roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually, though most are minor. Historical context underscores the danger: the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 megaquake, triggered a devastating tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, leaving over 18,500 people dead or missing.

Government Advice and Preparedness

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents to stay in safe locations until warnings are lifted. He emphasized that authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with safety protocols in place to address potential aftershocks and coastal impacts.

The government has previously warned that a future “megaquake” in the Nankai Trough could have catastrophic consequences, potentially causing up to 298,000 deaths and $2 trillion in damages. Preparedness efforts remain critical for Japan’s 125 million residents.