Japan has found itself in the global spotlight after a week marked by a flurry of seismic activity, with authorities issuing a rare nationwide earthquake advisory and thousands of residents and travelers left on edge. Yet, despite the dramatic headlines and the undeniable anxiety, officials are keen to stress that Japan remains open, its infrastructure is largely intact, and daily life continues with only minor disruptions.
The latest tremor, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake, struck off the northeastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:44 a.m. local time on Friday, December 12, 2025. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake was initially measured at 6.9 before being revised. Occurring at a depth of around 20 kilometers, the earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, their magnitudes ranging between 4.3 and 5.7. Authorities quickly issued a tsunami advisory, warning that waves up to one meter could reach Japan’s eastern coastline. In reality, only modest waves—about 20 centimeters—were recorded in Aomori and Hokkaido, and the advisory was lifted within hours. No serious injuries or damage were reported, and thousands of residents who received evacuation alerts via emergency warning apps were able to return to their routines soon after.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was quick to clarify that Friday’s earthquake, while significant, did not fall under the so-called “megaquake” advisory that had been issued earlier in the week. That advisory—the highest level in Japan’s disaster preparedness system—was triggered by a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck late on Monday, December 8, at around 11:15 p.m. local time. The epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 50 miles off the coast of Aomori at the northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
According to NHK, the December 8 quake registered an intensity of upper 6 on Japan’s seismic scale in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. At least 51 people were injured, and the event caused temporary disruptions across northern Japan. East Japan Railway suspended several services, two Shinkansen bullet trains made emergency stops, and traffic congestion snarled evacuation efforts in Hachinohe and other towns. At New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, flights were canceled and approximately 200 passengers were stranded overnight as safety inspections were carried out.
Crucially, this earthquake occurred along the Japan Trench, one of the world’s most active seismic fault zones, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Okhotsk Plate. The JMA responded by issuing the “Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory,” a warning colloquially referred to as a “megaquake” alert. This advisory signals a temporarily heightened probability—about one percent—of a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake along the Japan Trench or the nearby Chishima Trench. The agency is careful to note that this is not a prediction, but rather a statistical caution designed to encourage preparedness. As the agency explained, “The advisory urges people to prepare emergency bags to ensure they can evacuate quickly if necessary.”
This heightened alert system was introduced in 2022, following hard lessons from the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The current advisory covers a vast coastal region, stretching from Hokkaido in the north to Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. In total, 182 municipalities across Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Chiba are included. The JMA has warned of increased risks of megaquakes along both the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench in the northern Pacific.
Since the initial December 8 earthquake, seismic activity has continued at a steady pace. By 4 a.m. on Monday, December 15, forty aftershocks with an intensity of 1 or higher had been recorded, according to NHK. Tohoku University’s Professor Toda Shinji cautioned that the risk of a massive quake remains, particularly east of the epicenter. “A massive quake could strike a month or even a year after a strong tremblor, even though the possibility will gradually decrease,” Professor Toda said.
Despite the unsettling frequency of tremors, the impact on infrastructure and daily life has been mercifully limited. Authorities have confirmed that no significant damage occurred to major infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, or nuclear power plants. Life in most of the country continues as normal, though residents in the affected regions have been urged to review evacuation routes, anchor furniture, and prepare emergency supplies such as food, water, and essential medications. The JMA also highlighted the potential for hazardous winter road conditions to delay evacuations, making advance preparation even more crucial.
For travelers, the situation remains largely unchanged. After brief disruptions earlier in the week, flights and rail services are now operating normally. Popular winter destinations in Hokkaido, such as Niseko and Furano, have reported no significant damage, no ski resort closures, and no direct impact on tourist infrastructure. In fact, Hokkaido is entering one of its busiest periods, with the winter tourism season in full swing and record visitor numbers expected. Tourism bodies and Japanese officials continue to welcome visitors, emphasizing that there are no travel restrictions to northern Japan.
Nevertheless, both residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed via official channels such as the Japan Meteorological Agency and NHK, and to familiarize themselves with basic earthquake safety protocols. In a country as seismically active as Japan, such preparedness is a way of life. Buildings are designed to withstand strong shaking, and emergency procedures are drilled into the public consciousness. For those caught in a quake, the standard advice remains: drop, cover, and hold on; stay away from windows; avoid using elevators during or immediately after shaking; and, if outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines to avoid falling debris.
As of Monday, December 15, the JMA has indicated that the “megaquake” advisory will be lifted at the end of the day, but this does not rule out the possibility of further strong earthquakes. Experts warn that while the probability of a major event decreases over time, vigilance remains essential. The message from authorities is clear: stay prepared, but don’t panic.
Japan’s week of heightened seismic activity has tested its renowned disaster readiness and reminded the world of the country’s unique challenges. Yet, for now, the resilience of its people and the strength of its infrastructure have ensured that life—and travel—goes on, with eyes open and emergency kits at the ready.
