Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits Japan’s northeast, tsunami warning issued

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:44 am local time, prompting a tsunami advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake's depth was approximately 20km. No immediate abnormalities were reported at nuclear facilities in the region. This event follows a magnitude 7.5 earthquake earlier in the week that caused damage and injuries in the same area, leading the JMA to issue a special advisory warning of potential aftershocks. The region is also sensitive to earthquake risks due to the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake near Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan on Monday, December 11, 2025, the Japanese government issued a rare advisory. The advisory indicates an increased, though still small, chance of a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake occurring in the next week. While scientists cannot predict earthquakes, historical data suggests a 1% chance, which is significantly higher than normal for the region. The government issued a similar advisory in 2024 that expired without incident. Officials are taking the increased risk seriously, referencing past events like the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, where a smaller quake preceded a devastating one. The advisory covers an area off the northern coast of Japan.