7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan at 4:53pm local time, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for waves up to three meters. The quake, centered off Iwate prefecture, shook buildings as far as Tokyo.

An 80-centimeter tsunami wave hit Kuji port in Iwate about 40 minutes later. The JMA warned of repeated tsunami waves and urged immediate evacuation to higher ground. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated the government was assessing casualties and damage. A crisis management team was established.

Japan is highly seismically active. In 2011, a 9.0 magnitude quake triggered a devastating tsunami. The JMA issued a «megaquake» advisory in 2024 and again in December 2025 after a magnitude-7.5 tremor, which caused minor damage and injuries.