A violent 7.5-magnitude earthquake jolted northeastern Japan late Monday night, striking at 11:15 p.m. local time with its epicenter approximately 50 kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean floor near Aomori Prefecture. The tremor originated in a highly active seismic zone off the Sanriku coast, part of the notorious Pacific Ring of Fire that frequently exposes Japan to powerful quakes. Shockwaves rippled across multiple prefectures, including Hokkaido, Iwate, and Miyagi, while weaker shaking even reached the capital Tokyo more than 550 kilometers away, startling millions as buildings swayed and lights flickered.

In the most affected districts of Aomori, the quake registered upper 6 on Japan’s unique seven-level intensity scale, meaning most unreinforced walls could crack and furniture was thrown across rooms. Residents described a prolonged and terrifying minute of violent shaking that sent people scrambling under tables and rushing outdoors. Despite the intensity, early reports confirmed no widespread collapse of modern buildings, a testament to Japan’s strict seismic construction standards implemented after previous devastating events.

Tsunami warnings were immediately broadcast across television, radio, and mobile alerts, covering coastal stretches from Hokkaido to Iwate. Authorities urged immediate evacuation from low-lying areas, fearing waves of up to one meter. Small tsunami waves of around 70 centimeters were recorded at several ports, but they arrived without the destructive force initially feared. After several tense hours of monitoring, the Japan Meteorological Agency lifted all warnings, allowing relieved residents to return home under the cover of night.

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At least 30 people were injured across the region, primarily from falls or being struck by falling objects during the chaos. Hospitals treated cuts, fractures, and bruises, yet no fatalities were reported. Bullet train lines were temporarily halted for track inspections, and brief power flickers occurred in some towns, though major utilities and nuclear plants confirmed normal operations with no radiation anomalies detected.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received continuous updates and instructed relevant agencies to remain on high alert. Officials warned that strong aftershocks could continue for days in the Hokkaido-Sanriku offshore region and advised the public to secure furniture and review evacuation routes. Once again, Japan’s rapid warning systems and disciplined public response prevented a major disaster from unfolding.

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