TOKYO: A strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning amid fears of waves reaching up to 3 meters.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, with coastal regions facing the immediate risk of tsunami waves. Some areas could experience waves shortly after the tremor.
Panic spread across northern Japan as residents rushed out of homes and buildings. So far, no casualties or major damages have been reported.
Authorities have urged people living in coastal areas to evacuate and stay away from shorelines due to the threat of high tsunami waves.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force and appealed to citizens in affected areas to move to safer locations without delay.
Japan remains one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Data from the Japan Meteorological Agency shows that more than 10% of earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher occur in Japan.
On average, the country experiences a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake roughly once every 16 months.
The last major quake was recorded in December 2025 with a magnitude of 7.6. However, the deadliest disaster in modern history remains the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that triggered a devastating tsunami, killing over 18,000 people and causing a nuclear accident at the Fukushima power plant.
Authorities have since strengthened tsunami awareness and emergency response systems, emphasizing that even waves as small as 30 centimeters can be deadly.
A tsunami advisory has also been issued in parts of the United States following the quake.
