A significant 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern Japan on December 8, 2025, at around 11:15 p.m. local time, with its epicenter approximately 80 kilometers east of Aomori Prefecture. The earthquake was rated as “upper 6” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Hachinohe, leading to severe shaking, the potential for furniture to topple, and infrastructure damage.
In light of the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings, predicting waves up to 3 meters for coastal areas, including Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, prompting evacuations for about 90,000 residents. However, the actual observed tsunami waves were much smaller, ranging from 20 to 70 centimeters, allowing authorities to downgrade the warnings.
Initial reports noted at least 33 injuries mainly due to falling debris, although no fatalities were recorded. Thousands experienced power outages, yet electricity was largely restored by Tuesday morning. Train services, including Shinkansen bullet trains, were temporarily halted for safety inspections, and authorities cautioned about possible aftershocks.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near the site of the 2011 disaster, igniting renewed discussions on disaster preparedness. The Japanese government has formed a task force to coordinate response efforts, urging residents to stay vigilant and adhere to official guidance.
The event momentarily weakened the yen, reflecting market sensitivity to seismic risks in Japan. With the country’s economy being the third-largest globally, officials are closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts. The JMA also issued warnings of a possible megaquake, suggesting an increased risk of a magnitude 8 or higher within the next week, marking the first warning of this nature since 2022. Residents in coastal areas are urged to remain alert and prepared for evacuation if necessary.
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