The Japan Meteorological Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 6.7-magnitude earthquake off Aomori Prefecture at 11:44 a.m. JST, originating about 12 miles (19 km) below the sea surface. A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi. The JMA recorded intensity level 4 in 38 municipalities, with lower intensities observed across a wider region. The event follows a separate 7.5-magnitude quake earlier in the week that injured more than 30 people.
6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Off Northern Japan Triggers Tsunami Advisory
A house burns after a powerful earthquake in Aomori, northeastern Japan, early December 9, 2025. On Friday, a lesser 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the same prefecture. Photo by JiJi Press/EPA
A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast on Friday at 11:44 a.m. JST, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory for nearby coastal areas.
Details
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the quake originated about 12 miles (≈19 km) below the sea surface. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also assessed the event at magnitude 6.7 and placed the epicenter roughly 70 miles (≈113 km) east-northeast of Hachinohe on Honshu Island.
Authorities issued a tsunami advisory — indicating small tsunami waves may arrive — for the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido and for the Pacific coasts of Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. Residents in those areas were urged to stay away from the shore and follow local guidance until advisories are lifted.
The JMA reported a maximum seismic intensity of 4 in 38 municipalities across Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Akita prefectures, and observed lower intensities (1–3) extending from Hokkaido through the Chubu region.
About Japan's Seismic Intensity Scale: Japan uses a seven-level scale to describe how strongly the ground shook. Level 4 denotes strong shaking felt widely; level 3 means most people felt the quake and hanging objects swayed; level 2 is felt by people indoors; and level 1 is felt by only some people indoors.
This quake comes after a separate 7.5-magnitude tremor struck northern Honshu earlier in the week, an event that injured more than 30 people and briefly prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted.
Local officials continue to monitor conditions. People in affected coastal areas should follow official instructions and be prepared for possible aftershocks.
