Japan Quake Live Updates: JMA Sounds Megaquake Alert, Minor Tsunami Reported Before Advisory Lifted

Japan Megaquake Alert Issued by JMA; Tsunami Warnings Withdrawn.

A powerful 7.5–7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast near the Sanriku region of Aomori Prefecture on December 8, 2025, at around 11:15 PM JST, triggering immediate JMA tsunami warnings and a rare megaquake alert. While coastal residents were urged to evacuate amid forecasts of potential 3-meter waves, tsunami advisories were later lifted, with the largest confirmed wave reaching approximately 70 cm and no major coastal flooding reported.

The quake, occurring at a depth of roughly 53 km, produced strong shaking measured up to Shindo upper 6 in areas such as Hachinohe. Initial assessments reported 23–35 injuries, largely caused by falling objects, along with one fire incident. No fatalities or large-scale structural damage have been confirmed. A 5.1 magnitude aftershock followed early on December 9 south of Honshu.

An estimated 90,000–100,000 residents evacuated coastal areas overnight, responding to strong motions and tsunami alerts that evoked memories of the 2011 disaster. In response, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force to oversee impact assessment and coordinate relief, urging the public to rely on official local updates. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi deployed 18 helicopters from Hachinohe Air Base to support reconnaissance and emergency operations.

Nationwide, transportation systems saw temporary disruption. Several train lines were halted, and around 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, though most services resumed with minor delays. Importantly, authorities confirmed no nuclear safety concerns at any facilities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has since issued an additional advisory warning of the possibility of further large earthquakes along the Sanriku and Hokkaido offshore regions, citing persistent seismic instability in an area historically prone to great quakes.