Breaking: Massive Earthquake Strikes — Live Magnitude, Damage Reports & Safety Updates

A strong, shallow magnitude-6.3 earthquake rattled Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido at 03:51 local time on 2 June 2025 (18:51 UTC, 1 June), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) logged the quake at M6.0 and a depth of 31 km, locating the epicenter about 72 km south-southeast of Hiroo and 93 km east-southeast of Urakawa. Shaking intensity • Light shaking (MMI IV) was felt by roughly 489,000 residents, while 1.6 million experienced weak tremors. • No immediate reports of fatalities or major structural damage have surfaced, and the USGS issued a “green” alert indicating low likelihood of casualties or economic losses. Tsunami outlook JMA forecasts only slight sea-level fluctuations—under 20 cm—along the Pacific coast of eastern Hokkaido, ruling out a damaging tsunami. Aftershocks and regional seismicity This is the second M6-plus quake in the region in 48 hours, following an M6.1 event on 31 May. Seismologists note that the offshore Kuril-Japan trench is one of the world’s most active subduction zones, capable of generating powerful tremors and tsunamis. Dr. Ayako Sato, a geophysics lecturer at Hokkaido University, warns that “clusters of moderate-to-strong earthquakes here often precede weeks of heightened aftershock activity.” Infrastructure impact • Rail operators briefly suspended the Hokkaido Shinkansen for track inspections, but services were restored within two hours. • Hokkaido Electric Power reported no abnormalities at the Tomari Nuclear Power Station. • Local authorities received isolated calls about cracked walls and fallen household items in the towns of Erimo and Samani. Preparedness tips Officials urge residents to refresh emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, portable chargers, and medication. Interior Affairs and Communications advises anchoring furniture and identifying safe drop-cover-hold locations in homes and workplaces. Travelers to Hokkaido should enroll in J-Alert notifications and monitor bulletins from the JMA and USGS. Looking ahead While today’s “green” assessment is reassuring, Hokkaido’s proximity to multiple active faults means additional aftershocks—some potentially above magnitude 5—are possible in the coming days. Continuous monitoring by JMA, USGS, and global seismic networks will provide real-time updates.