A powerful earthquake struck northeastern Japan early Thursday, triggering transport disruptions and an emergency government response, even as authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
The quake was felt across several prefectures, including Tokyo, prompting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to urge residents in the worst-affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks. The government has also activated its crisis management mechanism to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
Magnitude 7 quake strikes off Iwate coast
The earthquake occurred at around 7:30 am local time with its epicentre off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) placed the preliminary magnitude at 6.9. India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS), however, assessed it as a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
According to the NCS, the quake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean at a depth of 64 kilometres.
The strongest shaking, measured at upper 6 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale, was recorded in Hashikami Town in Aomori Prefecture. A lower 6 intensity was observed in Hachinohe.
Upper 5 shaking was also recorded in Sannohe in Aomori Prefecture and parts of Iwate, including Morioka.
Strong tremors were experienced across Miyagi, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures. Mild shaking was also reported in Tokyo and nearby regions.
PM Sanae Takaichi says no tsunami threat
Soon after the earthquake, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured the public there was no danger of a tsunami but appealed for continued caution.
“Around 7:30 a.m. today, an earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Iwate Prefecture occurred, and a strong shaking with a maximum seismic intensity of 6-upper was observed in Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture. There is no concern about a tsunami,” Takaichi said in a post on X.
She urged people in areas that experienced strong shaking to remain vigilant.
“To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of earthquakes of similar intensity. From now on, I will receive detailed reports and take charge of the disaster response,” she said.
Bullet train services briefly suspended
As a precaution, East Japan Railway Company temporarily halted Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train operations between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations while safety inspections were conducted.
The JMA said an upper 6 intensity earthquake makes it extremely difficult for people to remain standing or move normally. Many unsecured pieces of furniture can topple over under such conditions.
Government activates emergency response
The Prime Minister’s Office established a response room at its Crisis Management Center immediately after the earthquake.
An emergency task force comprising officials from relevant ministries and agencies has also been convened.
Takaichi said the government is focused on assessing damage, coordinating rescue and relief operations, and ensuring timely and accurate information reaches the public.
There were no immediate reports of major casualties in the information released by authorities.