Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday urged citizens to remain vigilant after a magnitude 7 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The quake, which occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time, registered a maximum seismic intensity of 6-upper in Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture. Takaichi confirmed there was no tsunami threat and instructed relevant ministries to provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding evacuation and damage assessment.
Government Response and Public Advisory
In a post on X, Takaichi stated: "Around 7:30 a.m. today, an earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Iwate Prefecture occurred, and a strong shaking with a maximum seismic intensity of 6-upper was observed in Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture. There is no concern about a tsunami." She added: "To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of earthquakes of similar intensity. From now on, I will receive detailed reports and take charge of the disaster response."
Seismic Details and Impact
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake as magnitude 7.0 on the Richter Scale. According to the NCS, the quake occurred at 04:00:15 IST on June 25, 2026, with epicenter coordinates at latitude 40.096 N and longitude 142.366 E, at a depth of 64 kilometers in the North Pacific Ocean. A mild tremor was also felt in Tokyo, as reported by The Japan Times. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) notes that an upper-6 intensity means people can only crawl and are unable to walk, and unsecured furniture may topple over.
Task Force and Coordination
The Prime Minister's Office immediately established a task force in response to the quake. Takaichi said: "The government, immediately after the earthquake, established the Prime Minister's Office Response Room at the Crisis Management Center in the Prime Minister's Office, convened an emergency task force at the director-general level from relevant ministries and agencies, and based on my instructions, is fully committed to responses such as assessing the damage situation, rescue and relief efforts, and providing timely and accurate information to the public." Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess any damage.
