At least 25 earthquakes have struck off the coast of Japan in the last 24 hours, with some reaching strengths over 6.0 in magnitude.
The largest in the series was recorded as a 6.8 magnitude and prompted a tsunami warning that lasted several hours before being canceled, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quakes ranged in strength from a 4.5 magnitude, with many reaching magnitudes over 5.0, that could cause damage and possible loss of life.
The cluster sat about 75 miles off the coast of the Iwate Prefecture, with one earthquake striking further north near the Hokkaido Prefecture.
Why It Matters
Japan sits atop the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the Pacific Plate interacts with several others, such as the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic setting generates around 1,500 earthquakes per year in Japan—roughly 18 percent of the world’s seismic activity—making it among the most earthquake-prone countries globally.
Major earthquakes in Japan can also trigger deadly tsunamis and widespread destruction as witnessed in 2011 when a 9.0 magnitude quake led to catastrophic loss of life and a nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
Japan’s “complex coastline is vulnerable to tsunamis,” Tokyo’s foreign ministry has said.
What To Know
A strong earthquake—initially a magnitude 6.9 at a depth of about 12 miles—struck off the coast of Japan’s Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. local time on Sunday.
The USGS and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the event, which prompted tsunami advisories in the affected region. Officials warned that tsunami waves could reach up to approximately 3.2 feet but were later observed at lower levels.
Authorities downgraded the initial tsunami warning to a “forecast”—meaning only slight sea level changes were expected—about three hours post-quake.
Minor tsunami activity was recorded, with waves that reached around 8 inches at Kuji and Ofunato along Iwate’s coast. Residents were instructed to keep away from coastal areas until further notice, according to the JMA.
What People Are Saying
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote in an X post on Sunday: “At around 17:03, an earthquake with its epicenter off the Sanriku coast occurred. Seismic intensity 4 was observed in Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture, and an information liaison room has been immediately set up in the Prime Minister’s Office. A tsunami advisory has been issued, so please evacuate away from the coast immediately. The tsunami that may arrive later could be larger than expected, so please stay alert for further information. Additionally, aftershocks are possible, so please remain cautious of any strong shaking.”
What Happens Next?
Authorities in Japan have lifted the tsunami advisories but continue to urge vigilance for further aftershocks in the coming days, with the JMA noting the risk for significant tremors remains highest within two to three days post-quake.
AloJapan.com