More than 20 people were injured when a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan, triggering a tsunami of up to 70cm in Pacific coastal communities.
The country has been bracing itself for tsunami waves of up to 3m on the northeastern coastline after the quake struck off the coast of Hokkaido.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 23 people were injured, including one seriously.
The government said it was assessing damage from the tsunami and quake, which struck at about 11.15pm in the Pacific Ocean around 50 miles off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island.
“I’ve never experienced such a big shaking,” said shop owner Nobuo Yamada.
A tsunami of 70cm was measured in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, south of Aomori, and tsunami levels of up to 50cm struck other coastal communities, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The agency later changed the tsunami warning to an advisory.
Nuclear plants carried out urgent checks. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said about 118 gallons of water spilled at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but that there was no safety concern.
Key Points
- Tsunami warning was downgraded to an 'advisory'
- Tsunami of 70cm hits port
- Officials say 23 people injured
- Nuclear power plants conducting safety checks
The tsunami warning was downgraded to an 'advisory'
03:00 , Shaheena UddinThe Japan Meteorological Agency, has changed the “tsunami warning to a tsunami advisory”.
This means people under the alert do not have to evacuate to higher ground, but need to stay away from the coastline and keep away from river mouth and please stay alert.
In the past, small fishing boats capsized in harbours under tsunami advisory, as reported by the NHK, Japanese television broadcaster.
The meteorological agency reported the quake's magnitude as 7.5, is down from its earlier estimate of 7.6.
It issued an alert for potential tsunami surges of up to 3 meters (10 feet) in some areas and later downgraded to an advisory.
Traffic jams and car accidents amidst the panic to get to evacuation centres
02:30 , Shaheena UddinSatoshi Kato, a vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, told the NHK, Japan’s national TV network, that he was at home when the quake struck, and that glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor.
Mr Kato said he drove to the school because it was designated an evacuation centre, and on the way he encountered traffic jams and car accidents as panicked people tried to flee. Nobody had yet come to the school to take shelter, he said.
23 people were hurt, including one seriously injured
02:00 , Shaheena UddinThe Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 23 people were injured, including one seriously.
Most of the victims were hit by falling objects, NHK reported, adding that several people were injured in a hotel in Hachinohe.
A man in Tohoku was slightly hurt when his car fell into a hole as the road caved in.
Prime minister extends 'heartfelt condolences' to those injured
01:30 , Shaheena UddinPrime minister Sanae Takaichi has posted the following on the social media platform, X.
“To residents in areas where the shaking was strong, for the next week or so, please pay close attention to information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments, and ensure that you secure furniture, reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness, and prepare to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who were injured in the earthquake.”
Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries
01:00 , Shaheena UddinA tremor occurs at least every five minutes in Japan as it is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.
This is because it is located in the "Ring of Fire" of volcanoes and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin.
Japan accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater.
The yen weakened briefly due to the tremors
00:30 , Shaheena UddinJapan’s currency, the yen, weakened briefly against major currencies after news broke of the tremor, before recovering some ground.
The dollar reached a session high and was trading at around 155.81 yen around 15.33 GMT, while the euro also hit a session high.
Another earthquake could be on its way, says Japan Meterological Agency
Monday 8 December 2025 23:20 , Shaheena Uddin"There is a possibility that further powerful and stronger earthquakes could occur over the next several days," a Japan Meteorological Agency official said at a briefing.
Following the tremor, the JMA issued an advisory for a wide region from the northernmost island of Hokkaido down to Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, calling on residents to be on alert for the possibility of a powerful earthquake hitting again within a week.
Watch: PM Takaichi says government has set up emergency task force
Monday 8 December 2025 22:28 , Shaheena UddinPrime minister Sanae Takaichi said the government has established an emergency task force at 11.16pm (local time) after a powerful quake hit northern Japan on Monday.
Locals were warned to be “alert” for further tremors, as earthquakes have previously struck this area in quick succession.
Aftershocks possible in the coming days, authorities say
Monday 8 December 2025 22:20 , Shaheena UddinThe Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning about possible aftershocks in the next few days.
It reported there is a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami occurring along Japan's northeastern coast from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido.
The agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the area to monitor their emergency preparedness in the upcoming week.
Watch: Earthquake tremors footage documented
Monday 8 December 2025 21:40 , Shaheena UddinPeople affected by the earthquake have taken to social media to share footage of the tremors in the mainland of Japan.
That was more than a minute.. #Earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/dO7lNOGAVm
— Vannida Joane M. 🐝 (@BumbleVeej) December 8, 2025
Travel disruptions with suspended services
Monday 8 December 2025 21:35 , Shaheena UddinEarlier today, the East Japan Railway partly suspended some of its services in the area, which was also hit by the massive 9.0-magnitude quake in March 2011.
Shinkansen Expressways had to make an emergency stop for two of its trains.
The railways had stopped operations from about 11pm when the earthquake first hit.
The company says that it is assessing for any damage to railway tracks and that it remains unclear when services will resume.
Around 800 homes were without electricity today
Monday 8 December 2025 21:18 , Shaheena UddinResidents were urged to go to higher ground or seek shelter until advisories were lifted by the chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara.
Around 800 homes were without electricity today, and the Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were suspended in parts of the region, he said.
Nuclear power plants in the region were also conducting safety checks, Mr Kihara said.
About 450 litres (118 gallons) of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but that its water level remained within the normal range and there was no safety concern, according to the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
15 years since the Fukushima disaster
Monday 8 December 2025 21:13 , Shaheena UddinThe deadliest earthquake recorded in Japan took place in 2011 in the northeastern region, which was near the same area affected today.
On 11 March 2011, a 9.0-magnitude tremor struck under the ocean off the coast of the northern city of Sendai.
Nearly 20,000 people died during this incident and whole towns were wiped out.
Additionally, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was destroyed, leaving behind fears that remnants of radiation remain today.
200 passengers were stranded at the airport
Monday 8 December 2025 20:42 , Shaheena UddinAbout 200 passengers were stranded for the night at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, NHK reported.
About 480 residents were taking shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were mobilised for a damage assessment, defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.
'I’ve never experienced such a big shaking,' shop owner says
Monday 8 December 2025 20:39 , Shaheena UddinThe Japanese government was still assessing damages from the tsunami and late-evening quake, which struck at about 11.15 p.m. (14.15 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean around 80km (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island.
“I’ve never experienced such a big shaking,” convenience store owner Nobuo Yamada told the public broadcaster NHK in the Aomori prefecture town of Hachinohe, adding that “luckily” power lines were still operating in his area.
Japan is one of world's most earthquake-prone countries
Monday 8 December 2025 20:00 , Shaheena UddinJapan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, with a tremor occurring at least every five minutes.
The last time Japan has seen a major earthquake similar to this was in March 2011.
At least 20 people injured, officials say
Monday 8 December 2025 19:52 , Jane DaltonMore than 20 people were injured in the 7.5-magnitude earthquake, Japanese officials say.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 23 people were injured, including one seriously.
Most of the victims were hit by falling objects, broadcaster NHK reported, adding that several people were injured in a hotel in Hachinohe and a man in Tohoku was slightly hurt when his car fell into a hole.
Tsunami of 70cm hits port
Monday 8 December 2025 19:49 , Jane DaltonA tsunami has hit Pacific coastal communities, Japanese officials say.
The government said it was still assessing damage from the tsunami and quake, which struck at about 11.15pm local time in the Pacific Ocean around 50 miles off the coast of Aomori, the northern-most prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island.
A tsunami of 70cm was measured in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, just south of Aomori, and tsunami levels of up to 50cm struck other coastal communities in the region, authorities said.
Traffic jams and car accidents caused by the panic, witness says
Monday 8 December 2025 19:40 , Shaheena UddinSatoshi Kato, a vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, told NHK, Japan’s national television network, that he was at home when the quake struck, and that glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor.
Kato said he drove to the school because it was designated an evacuation centre, and on the way he encountered traffic jams and car accidents as panicked people tried to flee. Nobody had yet come to the school to take shelter, he said.
Fires were reported in Aomori
Monday 8 December 2025 19:26 , Shaheena UddinSeveral cases of fires were reported in Aomori, and about 90,000 residents were advised to take shelter at evacuation centres, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.
Several people were injured at a hotel in the Aomori town of Hachinohe and a man in the town of Tohoku was slightly hurt when his car fell into a hole, public broadcaster NHK reported.
No problems were detected in the nuclear power plant region
Monday 8 December 2025 19:25 , Shaheena UddinThe chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said nuclear power plants in the region were conducting safety checks and that so far no problems were detected.
Prime Minister extends 'heartfelt condolences' to those injured
Monday 8 December 2025 19:20 , Shaheena UddinPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi has posted the following on the social media platform, X.
“To residents in areas where the shaking was strong, for the next week or so, please pay close attention to information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments, and ensure that you secure furniture, reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness, and prepare to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who were injured in the earthquake.”
Recap: the latest about today's earthquake
Monday 8 December 2025 19:00 , Shaheena UddinJapan was hit by a earthquake and tsunami today at at 23.15 local time (14.15 UK time)
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6, according to initial estimates.
Tsunami warnings were issued across three prefectures which affected around 90,000 residents.
Tsunamis between 30cm to highs of 70cm hit coastal communities across Japan.
Several people were injured as a result, though an exact number hasn't been calculated yet.
There is a one per cent possibility that a larger earthquake could occur
Monday 8 December 2025 18:26 , Shaheena UddinGiven the global earthquake statistics during the next seven days, there is a one per cent possibility that the magnitude of a level eight or larger earthquake could occur in the Japan trench or Tsushima trench area, according to the NHK Japanese television outlet.
It is uncertain whether such a major earthquake can really occur, but everybody is advised to “be prepared to protect themselves”, officials say.
Fighter jets and patrol helicopters are being used to assess damage
Monday 8 December 2025 18:21 , Shaheena UddinThe National Police Agency is working with its headquarters across the country to gather information on quake damage.
Fighter jets and patrol helicopters are being used to gather information, according to the Japanese defence ministry.
There was no sign reported that any major fire has erupted as of 12am Tuesday.
PM's Office of Japan issues instructions
Monday 8 December 2025 18:09 , Shaheena UddinThe Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has issued the following three instructions in response to the earthquake in a post shared on the social media platform X.
Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Earthquake off the Eastern Coast of Aomori Prefecture (23:17, Dec. 8, 2025) pic.twitter.com/pYu84jSEdo
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) December 8, 2025
The 'tsunami warning' has been downgraded to a 'tsunami advisory'
Monday 8 December 2025 18:01 , Shaheena UddinThe Japan Meteorological Agency, has changed the “tsunami warning to a tsunami advisory”. This means people under the alert do not have to evacuate to higher ground, but need to stay away from the coastline and keep away from river mouth and please stay alert. In the past, small fishing boats capsized in harbours under tsunami advisory, as reported by the NHK, Japanese television outlet.
'Tsunamis will strike repeatedly', Japan Meteorological Agency says
Monday 8 December 2025 17:55 , Shaheena UddinJapan Meteorological Agency, the official disaster prevention information account, posted on X:
“As of 02:45 on the 9th, a tsunami advisory is in effect. Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Please refrain from entering the sea or approaching the coast until the advisory is lifted. Please check the latest information here.”
Six people were injured in the earthquake
Monday 8 December 2025 17:49 , Shaheena UddinLocal officials say that six people in the Aomori prefecture were hurt during the Monday night earthquake. They said the extent of the injuries was not clear.
A car had fallen into a hole created when a road caved in, according to a report Tohoku town police received at around 11pm on Monday. A man who appeared to be in his 50s was in the car and escaped on his own. He was then hospitalised with a back injury.
There is a risk of another earthquake, university professor says
Monday 8 December 2025 17:33 , Shaheena UddinHokkaido University professor Takahashi Hiroki says there is a risk of another earthquake, as reported by the NHK Japanese television outlet.
He says the quake is believed to have occurred where the Pacific plates sink into the land plate.
Takahashi adds that in places where the tremors were particularly strong, people should not enter houses that were damaged. He says they should stay in safe places.
He also points out that many old buildings across the along the sea in Hachinohe city may have suffered damage.
He also calls on people to consider moving to evacuation centers where they can warm up as soon as possible.
People are warned to 'keep evacuating to higher ground'
Monday 8 December 2025 17:27 , Shaheena UddinA strong earthquake struck northern Japan. The quake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori prefecture at 11:15pm, on Monday.
Its focus was 54 kilometers deep, and the magnitude is estimated at 7.5, as reported by the NHK, national Japanese television outlet.
Authorities warned that waves as high as three meters could hit the prefectures.
A tsunami advisory is in place for other parts of the region, including Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.
People in these areas are warned to “keep evacuating to higher ground, and pleased to not return to where you were”
Authorities are calling on people to stay away from the coastline as well as the mouths of rivers.
Warning to stay alert for the next week
Monday 8 December 2025 17:23 , Shaheena UddinJapanese television outlet NHK World reported that an official said that the people in affected areas are “urged to stay alert for another seven days.”
They said: “people should be conscious of another big earthquake happening at all times” and should take precautionary measures such as knowing “where your evacuation centre is, how to reach it, and emergency supplies that you should pick up and they carry at all times.”
One per cent possibility of magnitude 8 earthquake
Monday 8 December 2025 17:07 , Olivia IrelandThere is a 1 per cent possibility a magnitude 8 or more could strike Japan.
In a press conference from Japanese authorities, they said people needed to be ready to evacuate immediately as it’s not impossible the earthquake has a higher magnitude.
Chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara says if there are any reports of people missing search and rescue operations will commence immediately.
Speaking at a press conference, Kihara said people needed to keep paying attention to the news for further information.
“Once there is a jolt please be prepared to start evacuating,” he said.
One man injured after car falls into hole
Monday 8 December 2025 16:56 , Olivia IrelandOne man has been injured after his car fell into a hole, NHK reported.
The man does not have life threatening injuries.
The incident occurred in the town of Tohoku, a region known for its volcanoes, mountainous terrain and skiing.
Shinkansen Expressways yet to start again
Monday 8 December 2025 16:48 , Olivia IrelandShinkansen Expressways had to make an emergency stop for two of its trains as services are yet to start again.
The railways had stopped operations from about 11pm when the earthquake first hit.
Fighter jets and helicopters used to patrol northern Japan
Monday 8 December 2025 16:44 , Olivia IrelandJapanese television outlet NHK World has reported military planes are being used.
NHK said fighter jets and helicopters being used to patrol the area.
Highest tsunami hits at 70cm
Monday 8 December 2025 16:34 , Olivia IrelandA 70cm wave has hit Kuji Port, a significant maritime hub in the city of Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, on Japan’s northeastern coast.
Hitting the coastline at about 1am, the 70cm wave is the highest so far but there are still expectations waves could eventually be 3m.
Japan’s international television outlet NHK World noted while a wave of 50cm does not seem like much, it can have a force of up to 200kg on a person’s legs.
Some regions have been hit by tsunami
Monday 8 December 2025 16:27 , Olivia IrelandBack to the press conference, the Japan Meteorological Agency said some areas have been hit and others should expect waves at 1am to 2am local time.
“Some areas have already received their tsunami,” he said.
The largest waves are about half a metre however there are still expectations some waves could be more than three metres.
In pictures: earthquake effects on local newsroom
Monday 8 December 2025 16:25 , Olivia IrelandBookshelves and documents fell during the earthquake in Kyodo News’ Hakodate bureau .
The metal shelves on the ground highlight the intensity of the earthquake.
Meteorological agency briefing begins
Monday 8 December 2025 16:20 , Olivia IrelandA news conference has begun on the earthquake, as Japan’s meteorological agency briefs.
Viewers are told that areas with a large jolt have a “danger of landslide and also possible damages” over the next few days.
It has been added that in two to three days there could be an earthquake of upper 6 magnitude.
There could be a possibility that a stronger jolt could hit the area so “please take precaution”.
Earthquake increases from 7.2 to 7.6 magnitude
Monday 8 December 2025 16:17 , Olivia IrelandReuters is reporting the powerful earthquake has reached 7.6 magnitude.
Earlier the earthquake was 7.2 magnitude.
Power outages in northern Japan
Monday 8 December 2025 16:14 , Olivia IrelandSo far there have been no issues with the nuclear power plants in the region, live Japanese TV channel NHK Newline said.
However, Sky News reports thousands of residents are currently without power according to Tohoku Electric.
Prime Minister outlines instructions for safety
Monday 8 December 2025 15:49 , Olivia IrelandIn a post to X, the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s office provided three points in response to the earthquake.
“Provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding the tsunami, evacuation etc., and take thorough measures to prevent damage, such as the evacuation of residents,” the statement said.
“Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible.
“Act in close coordination with local government and, under the principle of prioritising human life above all else, spare no effort in our emergency disaster responses, including saving lives and rescuing disaster victims, with the government working as one.”
Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Earthquake off the Eastern Coast of Aomori Prefecture (23:17, Dec. 8, 2025) pic.twitter.com/pYu84jSEdo
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) December 8, 2025
Emergency taskforce set up
Monday 8 December 2025 15:36 , Olivia IrelandThe Japanese government has set up a taskforce, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters the situation was evolving.
The taskforce will assess the extent of damage, Takaichi said.
“We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” she said.
Residents told to evacuate as soon as possible
Monday 8 December 2025 15:32 , James ReynoldsResidents in the areas under tsunami warnings, forecasting waves of up to 3m high, are told to evacuate as quickly as possible.
Authorities warn that waves can strike repeatedly, and tell residents to keep away until the notice is over.
Those in areas under advisory are told to keep away from coasts and rivers vulnerable to overflowing.
Several injured as earthquake strikes off coast
Monday 8 December 2025 15:24 , James ReynoldsSeveral people were injured at a hotel in the Aomori town of Hachinohe, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in brief comment to reporters, said the government set up an emergency task force to urgently assess the extent of damage.
"We are putting people's lives first and doing everything we can," she said.
Mapped: Japan's coast rocked by 7.2 magnitude earthquake
Monday 8 December 2025 15:15 , James ReynoldsHave you been affected?
Monday 8 December 2025 15:11 , James ReynoldsContact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk
Train services suspended in local area
Monday 8 December 2025 15:09 , Daniel KeaneJapan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, with a tremor occurring at least every five minutes.
East Japan Railway suspended some train services in the area, which was also hit by the massive 9.0-magnitude quake in March 2011.
Nuclear power plants conducting safety checks
Monday 8 December 2025 15:07 , Daniel KeaneNuclear power plants in the region are conducting safety checks following the tsunami warning, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency said the earthquake struck off the coast of Hokkaido, near the coastal city of Aomori.
Japan warns of three-metre high tsunami after earthquake off coast
Monday 8 December 2025 15:04 , Daniel KeaneA tsunami as high as three metres (10 feet) could hit Japan's northeastern coast after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 occurred offshore on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The tremor registered as an 'upper six' out of seven on Japan's seismic intensity
Monday 8 December 2025 21:04 , Shaheena UddinIn the early hours of Tuesday the Japan Meteorology Agency downgraded the warnings to advisories, meaning it now sees lower estimated wave heights and less risk of flood.
The epicentre of the quake was 80 km (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori prefecture, at a depth of 54 km, the agency reported.
Out of Japan's ‘one to seven’ scale of seismic intensity, the tremor registered as an "upper six" in Hachinohe city, Aomori prefecture.
This means it was a quake strong enough to make it impossible to keep standing or move without crawling. In such tremors, most heavy furniture can collapse and wall tiles and windowpanes are damaged in many buildings.
The yen weakened briefly due to the tremors
Monday 8 December 2025 21:45 , Shaheena UddinJapan’s currency, the yen, weakened briefly against major currencies after news broke of the tremor, before recovering some ground.
The dollar touched a session high and was trading at around 155.81 yen around 1533 GMT, while the euro also hit a session high.
