Japan Earthquake: 6.7 Magnitude & Tsunami Warning Issued

A tsunami advisory has been issued for Japan’s northeastern coast following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday. The quake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:44am local time (02:44 GMT).

Earthquake Details

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 20km (12.4 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also reported a magnitude of 6.7.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority stated there were no immediate signs of abnormalities at nuclear facilities in the region.

Recent Seismic Activity

This earthquake follows a magnitude 7.5 quake that hit the same region on Monday, causing damage to roads, broken windows, and tsunami waves up to 70 centimetres (2.3ft) high. At least 50 people were injured in Monday’s quake.

The JMA issued a special advisory following Monday’s quake, warning residents from Hokkaido to Chiba to be alert for the possibility of another powerful earthquake within a week.

Historical Context & Preparedness

The northeast region of Japan is still impacted by the memory of the magnitude 9.0 undersea quake in 2011, which triggered a devastating tsunami that resulted in approximately 18,500 deaths or missing persons.

In 2024, the JMA issued its first special advisory for the southern half of Japan’s Pacific coast, warning of a potential “megaquake” along the Nankai Trough. The government estimates a quake in this region could cause up to 298,000 fatalities and $2 trillion in damages.

NHK reported on Thursday that residents in northeastern Japan were increasing their purchases of disaster preparedness supplies, including torches, water storage tanks, and furniture support poles. One shop in Hokkaido’s Hakodate city reported a tripling in sales of bottled water and disaster kits following Monday’s quake.

“We decided to prepare, so I bought disaster kits for everyone,” a customer in his 30s told NHK while shopping with his family.

Japan is located on the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” atop four major tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most seismically active countries.