Japan faces magnitude‑7 earthquake, PM Takaichi forms task force

A magnitude‑7 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture on 25 June 2026. The strongest shaking, recorded at seismic intensity 6‑upper, was felt in Hashikami, Aomori Prefecture, while a mild tremor was also reported in Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency said there is no tsunami threat.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the creation of an emergency response room at the Prime Minister’s Office and convened a director‑general‑level task force involving relevant ministries and agencies. She instructed officials to quickly assess damage, coordinate rescue and relief efforts, and provide accurate public information.

The National Center for Seismology confirmed the quake’s depth at 64 km and its epicenter in the North Pacific Ocean (latitude 40.096 N, longitude 142.366 E). The government urged residents in strongly affected areas to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks.