A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Friday, generating small tsunami waves along the coast but causing no apparent damage, according to authorities. The tremor follows a stronger quake earlier in the week that left several people injured and caused light structural impacts across the region.
Epicenter Near Aomori; Tsunami Advisory Issued and Lifted
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that Friday’s earthquake occurred off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The quake hit at 11:44 a.m., prompting officials to issue a tsunami advisory, which remained in effect for roughly two hours before being lifted.
Small tsunami waves were observed in parts of Hokkaido and Aomori, but there were no reports of serious damage or injuries.
🚨🇯🇵 Japan Earthquakes
A Preliminary Magnitude 6.7 earthquake recently struck off the coast of Japan at a depth of 20km
The quake is likely part of the aftershock sequence from the strong M7.6 tremor that recently occurred.
There is no major Tsunami risk at this stage. pic.twitter.com/dkCC6mDpXJ
— Chyno News (@ChynoNews) December 12, 2025
Earthquake Follows Earlier 7.5-Magnitude Shock
Friday’s event came just days after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Pacific coast on Monday. That earlier quake caused injuries, temporary power outages and a minor tsunami.
At least 34 people were injured, while tsunami waves measuring more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) above normal tide levels were recorded at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture.
Authorities had already warned residents of the likelihood of additional aftershocks following the earlier tremor.
Officials Highlight Slight Increase in Megaquake Risk
After Monday’s earthquake, experts noted a slight rise in the probability of a major seismic event — magnitude 8 or higher — along Japan’s northeastern coastline. The area of concern extends from Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, up to Hokkaido.
However, officials emphasized that the advisory does not indicate a prediction of such an earthquake. Instead, they encouraged residents to remain vigilant and reinforce emergency preparedness measures.
Region Still Scarred by the 2011 Megaquake and Tsunami
Both recent earthquakes occurred near the same region devastated by the catastrophic 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 20,000 people and triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The location’s seismic history remains a central factor in Japan’s ongoing disaster-readiness efforts.
