Powerful Earthquake Shakes Japan Today – Live Updates, Tsunami Warnings & Safety Tips

Residents across northern Honshu were rattled this evening after a very strong magnitude-6.7–6.8 earthquake struck offshore, about 120 km east of Yamada in Iwate Prefecture, at 18:03 local time (09:03 UTC) on 9 November 2025. Key points • Epicentre: 39.4° N, 143.4° E in the Sanriku-oki region, only 10 km deep, amplifying the shaking along the Iwate and Miyagi coasts. • Intensity: JMA seismic intensity 4 recorded in Morioka, Yahaba and Wakuya; light tremors felt as far south as Tokyo, 500 km away. • Tsunami advisory: The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a coastal advisory for Iwate shortly after the quake; no significant wave was ultimately observed and the advisory was lifted within two hours. • Damage & casualties: Early reports indicate limited damage—mainly fallen items and cracked plaster—and no serious injuries. Authorities continue inspections of rail lines, bridges and ports. • Aftershocks: More than a dozen aftershocks, the largest at M 6.4, have already been recorded. Seismologists warn that quakes up to one magnitude lower could follow over the next week; residents should stay prepared. Context This is the strongest quake off Iwate since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (M 9.1), though today’s event released roughly 1/500th of that energy. The rupture occurred along the Japan Trench, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Okhotsk Plate—one of the world’s most seismically active zones. What officials are saying • JMA spokesperson: “Our models show a low likelihood of major damage, but please remain alert for aftershocks.” • Iwate Prefectural Police: “No fatalities reported; we are patrolling coastal towns for landslide or structural hazards.” • East Japan Railway: Tōhoku Shinkansen service briefly halted for inspections; normal operations resumed after track checks. Safety reminders 1. Secure heavy furniture and appliances; most quake injuries result from falling objects. 2. Keep a three-day emergency kit with water, food and medications. 3. If near the coast and you feel strong or prolonged shaking, move to higher ground immediately—tsunami warnings may precede official alerts. The Meteorological Agency and USGS will refine depth and magnitude estimates as more data arrive; continue monitoring local broadcasts and official apps for updates.