Tokyo International News Agency

Japan's Earthquake Research Committee has revealed that a phenomenon known as "slow slip"—where tectonic plates move gradually over time—is accelerating off the Sanriku coast. The committee has issued a rare warning for citizens to "remain vigilant for a major earthquake," stating that the activity could lead to a significant seismic event in the near future. This announcement follows a magnitude (M) 7.7 earthquake that occurred off the Sanriku coast on April 20. Following that quake, slow slip activity, which releases strain energy around the epicenter, was observed. Similar phenomena were identified just before the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, raising serious concerns about intensified crustal activity. According to the committee, if this slippage continues to accelerate, there is a risk of a magnitude 7 to 8 class earthquake occurring in the surrounding area. On social media, many have expressed deep concern over the direct warning from government author...

On the afternoon of April 20, 2026, a powerful earthquake occurred with its epicenter off the coast of Sanriku. Following the tremor, tsunami warnings and advisories were issued for coastal areas of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, creating a tense situation in the affected communities. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and government authorities, a maximum seismic intensity of 5-plus was recorded in Aomori Prefecture. Consequently, tsunami warnings were issued for the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, as well as Aomori and Iwate Prefectures, while tsunami advisories were issued for Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures. The government has urged residents in these areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground or other safe locations. On social media, many residents have shared reports of moving to evacuation centers and confusion regarding public transport suspensions. Infrastructure has been impacted, with trains grounded and ferry services canceled in some areas, forcing many to...

At approximately 5:03 PM on November 9, 2025, an earthquake with its epicenter off the Sanriku Coast struck, registering a maximum seismic intensity (Shindo) of 4 in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicenter was estimated to be about 130 km east of Miyako, at a depth of 10 km, with a magnitude (M) of 6.7. Following the earthquake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture. At 5:39 PM, a 10-centimeter tsunami was observed in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and a minor tsunami was recorded in Miyako City. The government immediately established an information liaison office at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, and Ms. Sanae Takaichi urged the public via social media to evacuate coastal areas promptly. The JMA continues to warn that subsequent tsunamis could be larger than initially predicted, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. While Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures observed the maximum ...

Around 5:03 PM on November 9, 2025, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 (some reports indicate 6.7) occurred off the coast of Sanriku, causing strong shaking primarily across the Tohoku region. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), a maximum seismic intensity of 4 was recorded in northern and southern Iwate Prefecture, and northern and central Miyagi Prefecture. Following the earthquake, a tsunami advisory was issued for the coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, urging residents in those regions to exercise extreme caution. Immediately after the quake, Emergency Earthquake Warnings (EEW) blared across a wide area. On X (formerly Twitter), numerous posts expressed surprise and fear, with comments like "My heart was pounding like crazy" and "Emergency Earthquake Warnings are terrifying." Some users voiced heightened anxiety due to a series of earthquakes since that morning, saying, "The continuous earthquakes since this morning are unsettling," ...