12th December 2025 – (Tokyo) A powerful offshore earthquake near Aomori Prefecture on Friday was felt across Tokyo, rattling buildings and heightening anxiety in the capital as Japan’s highest-level “megaquake” advisory remains in force.
The Japan Meteorological Agency later revised the tremor’s magnitude to 6.9 from an initial 6.7. Striking at 11.44am at a depth of about 17 kilometres, the quake shook much of eastern Japan, including the Tokyo metropolitan area. While the epicentre lay far to the north, the capital experienced prolonged, swaying motion typical of deep, distant quakes that propagate along the Pacific coast.
A tsunami advisory issued for Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi — but not Tokyo Bay — was lifted roughly two hours later. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries in Tokyo, and city operations, transport and power supplies continued without significant disruption. Authorities nonetheless urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks.
The tremor followed Monday night’s magnitude‑7.5 earthquake off northern Japan, which injured at least 51 people and triggered tsunami alerts. In its aftermath, the weather agency issued an unprecedented top‑tier warning for a possible magnitude‑8 or stronger event linked to the Japan and Chishima Trenches. That advisory, first introduced in 2022, remains active until 16 December and covers a broad swathe of northern and eastern Japan that includes the Tokyo region in its preparedness guidance.
In the capital, hotels and event venues reported precautionary checks and some booking cancellations amid heightened risk awareness. Municipal authorities reiterated basic readiness steps for Tokyo residents: confirm evacuation routes, secure heavy furniture and appliances, and keep emergency grab‑bags stocked with water, food, torches, batteries and portable sanitation. Retailers across the metro area reported brisk sales of disaster supplies as households reviewed their contingency plans.
Japan’s nuclear regulators said there were no abnormalities at facilities following Friday’s quake, and utilities reported stable operations. Officials stressed that while the tsunami risk was confined to northern Pacific coasts, Tokyo residents should stay informed through official channels and be prepared for further seismic activity in the coming days.
AloJapan.com