Tokyo International News Agency

At approximately 8:22 PM on May 15, 2026, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.3 struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, registering a maximum seismic intensity of Lower 5 in the northern and central regions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the tremor originated at a depth of roughly 50 kilometers. While no tsunami warnings were issued, the quake generated Class 3 long-period ground motion, which is known to cause significant shaking in high-rise structures. The sudden activation of emergency earthquake alerts on mobile phones across the prefecture created moments of high tension. Noriko Ishigaki, a member of the House of Councillors who was in Osaki City at the time, described the alarm as "piercing." On social media, many residents reported a "long, slow swaying," and the tremors were felt as far as Tokyo. Professional wrestler Meiko Satomura noted that foreign athletes in the area were particularly distressed by the strong shaking...

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...