Strong 7.2 Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, No Major Damage or Tsunami Warning

Tokyo: A strong earthquake struck off Japan’s northern Pacific coast during Thursday morning’s rush hour, shaking wide parts of the country but causing no major destruction or tsunami threat, according to authorities.

The earthquake, initially measured at magnitude 6.9 and later revised to 7.2 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate prefecture at a depth of around 50 kilometres. The US Geological Survey estimated the magnitude at 6.9.

The tremor was felt across dozens of municipalities in northeastern Japan and reached as far as Tokyo, where residents experienced light shaking. The affected region has recorded repeated seismic activity in recent months, including an event in December that prompted a week-long advisory over concerns of a possible megaquake.

Emergency agencies reported that eight people suffered injuries in Aomori and Iwate prefectures. Most injuries were linked to falls and objects dislodged during the shaking, with no life-threatening cases reported.

In Hashikami town in Aomori, school authorities suspended classes after the earthquake. According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, the principal of a local primary school said children who had already arrived on campus were safe, though some were frightened by the tremor and later returned home.

Train services in parts of northeastern Japan were temporarily halted as operators carried out safety inspections. East Japan Railway suspended some bullet train and local rail operations before gradually restoring services.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had activated emergency monitoring measures and was prioritising public safety while assessing the situation. Residents were urged to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

Officials also confirmed that no abnormalities had been detected at nuclear facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Japan remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.