After the Earthquake in Aomori, the Japan Meteorological Agency Warns of Another Possible Earthquake in Northeastern Japan
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On December 8th, a strong magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit northern Japan, its epicenter just off the coast of Aomori Prefecture. Now, the JMA is monitering the area for another major quake. Find out what to watch out for going forward, and how to respond in case of disaster.
CONTENTS
Japan’s December 8th Earthquake
Image Source: Weather News
At 23:15 (11:15 pm) on December 8th, 2025, an earthquake of approximately M7.5 struck off the coast of Aomori, at a depth of 54 kilometers. Strong shaking was felt across many parts of northern Japan, especially in Aomori’s city of Hachinohe, where the intensity reached Shindo 6+ on Japan’s seismic scale, which measures an earthquake’s physical effects. During quakes that reach Shindo 6+, people are generally unable to stand, older buildings may collapse, windows crack, and services like gas, water, and electricity may be disrupted. The tremors were also felt as far south as Tokyo, although much weaker.
Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas in Aomori, Iwate, and eastern Hokkaido. Waves of about 20~70 centimeters were observed in several ports, before the warning was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory.
JMA Issues a Major Earthquake Monitoring Warning
Image Source: Tenki.jp (translation edits by Japankuru)
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also announced the possibility that this earthquake could be a foreshock to a larger event. Specifically, the JMA is warning the public that a major earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher could be induced within the next week due to this seismic activity. Based on past seismic statistics collected in 1963 and 2011, another stronger quake is especially likely within the first three days. (In 1963 a M8.5 came 18 hours after a M7.0, and in 2011 an M9.0 came two days after an M7.3.)
The head of the Earthquake and Volcano Research Technology Division of the Japan Meteorological Agency, Satoshi Harada, stated:
In the worst case scenario, an earthquake similar to the one on March 11th [2011] could occur. There is no guarantee that something like this will never happen again. We must be prepared.
Areas of Japan Currently Being Monitered for Earthquake Activity
Image Source: NHK (translation edits by Japankuru)
The region of highest concern, currently being monitered for seismic activity, covers an area of 182 municipalities over 7 prefectures, largely along Japan’s northeastern coast – from Hokkaido down to Chiba. Tap the prefectures below for a full list of cities.
Hokkaido: 63 municipalities
Ashoro
Akkeshi
Atsuma
Abashiri
Ikeda
Urakawa
Urahoro
Esashi
Erimo
Omu
Oshamambe
Otofuke
Obihiro
Kamishihoro
Kamifurano
Oketo
Okoppe
Kushiro City
Kushiro Town
Kutchan
Kuromatsunai
Shibecha
Shibetsu
Shihoro
Shimizu
Shiraoi
Shiranuka
Shiriuchi
Shintoku
Sobetsu
Taiki
Date
Tsurui
Teshikaga
Toyako
Tomakomai
Toyoura
Toyotomi
Nakashibetsu
Nakasatsunai
Nemuro
Hamanaka
Makubetsu
Memuro
Mori
Yakumo
Rausu
Rikubetsu
Aomori: 28 municipalities
Aomori
Ajigasawa
Imabetsu
Oirase
Oma
Kazamaura
Goshogawara
Gonohe
Sai
Shichinohe
Sotogahama
Tsugaru
Tohoku
Towada
Nakadomari
Nanbu
Noheji
Hashikami
Hachinohe
Higashidōri
Hiranai
Fukaura
Misawa
Mutsu
Yokohama
Yomogita
Rokunohe
Iwate: 23 municipalities
Ichinoseki
Iwaizumi
Oshu
Otsuchi
Ofunato
Kanegasaki
Kamaishi
Kitakami
Kuji
Shiwa
Sumita
Tanohata
Tono
Noda
Hanamaki
Hiraizumi
Hirono
Fudai
Miyako
Morioka
Yahaba
Yamada
Rikuzentakata
Miyagi: 35 municipalities (the entire prefecture)
Ishinomaki
Iwanuma
Ogawara
Osaki
Ohira
Osato
Onagawa
Watari
Kakuda
Kami
Kawasaki
Kurihara
Kesennuma
Zao
Shichikashuku
Shichigahama
Shiroishi
Sendai
Shibata
Taiwa
Tagajo
Tomiya
Natori
Matsushima
Marumori
Misato
Minamisanriku
Murata
Yamamoto
Rifu
Wakuya
Shiogama
Tome
Fukushima: 10 municipalities
Iwaki
Okuma
Shinchi
Sōma
Tomioka
Namie
Naraha
Hirono
Futaba
Minamisōma
Ibaraki: 9 municipalities
Oarai
Kashima
Kamisu
Kitaibaraki
Takahagi
Hitachi
Hitachinaka
Hokota
Chiba: 14 municipalities
Asahi
Isumi
Ichinomiya
Kujukuri
Onjuku
Katsuura
Sanmu
Shirako
Sosa
Tateyama
Choshi
Chosei
Yokoshibahikari
Emergency Evacuation Advice for Earthquakes in Japan
What should you do if you’re currently in the JMA’s areas of concern? Current advice is to continue as usual, with a little extra preparation. There is no way to ascertain if another big earthquake is coming within the week or not, and even if one comes, there’s no way to know exactly where the epicenter may be. Stay calm, enjoy your time in Japan – just take a few precautions to ensure you’re ready to evacuate if need be!
🔲 Check local evacuation routes for where you’re staying.
🔲 Prepare an emergency bag, and make sure you have appropriately warm clothing for the cold weather.
🔲 Keep your shoes easily accessible, and a flashlight close by.
🔲 Keep your phone and power bank fully charged whenever possible.
Not sure what an emergency bag looks like in Japan? The contents you prepare may depend on whether you’re traveling or staying in Japan long-term! Find some disaster preparation recommendations at the links below!
Earthquakes in Japan are unpredictable, and despite Japan’s best attempts, we simply don’t have the technology to precisely forecast them yet. All we can do is to stay prepared for any situation, whether that’s an earthquake, or any other disaster. Fortunately, Japan takes natural disasters seriously, with advanced warning systems and strong disaster-preparedness measures. Stay calm, follow the lead of locals and look to Japan’s official announcements, and risks can be greatly reduced.
For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!
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