7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes northern Japan

JAPAN- A 7.6‑magnitude earthquake shook northern Japan late on Monday night, December 8, 2025. The quake happened off the coast near Aomori Prefecture and was felt across Hokkaido and northern Honshu.

What Happened

• The earthquake struck at 11:15 p.m. local time.
• The shaking was strong enough that many people reported furniture moving and buildings swaying.
• Several aftershocks followed, including quakes above magnitude 5.

Tsunami Warning

• Authorities issued tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.
• Waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) are possible in some coastal areas.
• Smaller waves have already been observed in ports along the northern coast.
• People living near the sea were told to move to higher ground immediately.

Safety Measures

• Local governments asked residents to stay calm and follow evacuation orders.
• Nuclear power plants in the region are checking for any problems.
• Public broadcaster NHK is giving live updates and safety instructions.

Current Situation

• Damage reports are still being collected.
• Transport and communication may be disrupted in some areas.
• Cold winter weather is making evacuation more difficult for families.