Japan, December 12, 2025 – The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has lifted a tsunami advisory for northern Japan’s Pacific coast following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck off Aomori Prefecture on Friday at 11:44 a.m. local time (02:44 GMT).

The quake occurred at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles), causing minor tremors along the coast. The JMA reported two small tsunami waves, each about 20 centimeters, observed in Erimo, Hokkaido, and the Aomori region. No significant damage or changes in port conditions were reported.

Background: A Series of Tremors

This earthquake follows a larger magnitude 7.5 quake in the same region on Monday, which injured at least 50 people, damaged roads, shattered windows, and triggered tsunami waves of up to 70 cm (2.3 feet).

The Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities, easing initial safety concerns.

Heightened Preparedness in Japan

Northeastern Japan remains on edge, haunted by the memory of the 2011 magnitude 9.0 undersea quake and tsunami that killed about 18,500 people. Following the recent tremors, the JMA has warned of a heightened risk of another powerful quake in the coming week.

Residents are stocking up on emergency supplies such as bottled water, torches, and disaster kits. Shops in Hokkaido, including Hakodate city, reported a threefold increase in sales of disaster-related goods after Monday’s quake.

“We decided to prepare, so I bought disaster kits for everyone,” said a local resident visiting a shop with his family.

Japan sits at the intersection of four major tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions, with around 1,500 earthquakes each year.