Japan has lifted a temporary megaquake advisory for parts of its northeastern coast one week after a magnitude 7.5 offshore quake near Aomori. Officials say the chance of a magnitude-8-or-greater quake has declined but stress the risk remains and urge continued preparedness. The tremor caused more than 40 mostly minor injuries and damaged dozens of homes; tsunami waves up to 70 cm were recorded with no reported tsunami damage.
Japan Lifts Megaquake Advisory But Urges Ongoing Vigilance After Magnitude 7.5 Quake
This aerial photo shows a vehicle sitting on a damaged road in Tohoku town, Aomori prefecture, northern Japan Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, following a powerful earthquake on late Monday. (Kyodo News via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Japan on Tuesday lifted a temporary "megaquake" advisory for parts of its northeastern coast, one week after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck offshore near Aomori. Authorities said the probability of a subsequent magnitude-8-or-greater quake has eased, but they stressed the risk has not vanished and urged residents to remain prepared.
What Happened
The Japan Meteorological Agency and the Cabinet Office issued the advisory last Monday following the magnitude-7.5 tremor that occurred off the eastern coast of Aomori — on Honshu, just south of Hokkaido. The quake caused mild regional damage, more than 40 mostly minor injuries and structural harm to dozens of homes, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.
Evacuees get ready to return home as a tsunami advosory has been lifted in Hidaka town, northern Japan Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, following a powerful earthquake on late Monday. (Kyodo News via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Tsunami alerts and advisories were raised and waves up to 70 centimeters (27 inches) were recorded along parts of the coastline, though officials reported no tsunami-related damage.
Why The Advisory Was Lifted — And Why Caution Remains
At a joint news conference, agency and Cabinet Office officials said their assessments show the short-term chance of a "megaquake" has decreased since the advisory was issued. The lift means residents in the affected zones are no longer being asked to sleep in daytime clothes with helmets, shoes and emergency grab bags at the bedside. However, authorities emphasized that this is a reduction in probability, not an elimination of risk.
Papers are scattered on the floor at an office in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, following a powerful earthquake on late Monday. (Kyodo News via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Preparedness And Public Response
Officials said local governments and residents reacted calmly to the advisory and there were no widespread reports of panic. Tokyo and regional authorities continue to urge people to review emergency plans, secure heavy furniture, and keep emergency kits accessible.
Background
The specific advisory mechanism for the Hokkaido–Sanriku area was introduced in 2022 as a lesson from the devastating 2011 magnitude-9.0 quake and tsunami that struck Japan’s northeast. Authorities also noted that a separate, first-ever "Nankai Trough" advisory in summer 2024 caused confusion and led to panic buying and some event cancellations — a reminder of the communication challenges around probabilistic disaster warnings.
Bottom line: The immediate elevated risk has eased and the advisory was lifted, but residents along the northeastern coast should remain prepared and follow local official guidance.
