Japan: M7.5 Quake Hits Off Aomori Prefecture, Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful Magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore at 11:15 PM in Japan, leading to immediate tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for residents. Warnings for waves up to 3 meters (10 ft) were issued for the north-eastern coast, specifically the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. Tsunamis between 20 and 50 cm (7-18 inches) high were subsequently observed at several ports in the region. Furthermore, authorities are cautioning the public that "there is a possibility of even more powerful tremors." They also urged attention be paid to the potential for a larger subsequent earthquake.

Japan: Storm System Brings Intense Lightning to Southwestern Region

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued weather alerts for Nagasaki and Kumamoto Prefectures in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, September 10, as a Linear Precipitation Band brought severe downpour to the area. Officials also warned residents across a wide area along the Sea of ​​Japan coast for flooding in low-lying areas, and swelling and overflowing rivers due to heavy rain with lightning.

Japan: Storm System Brings Intense Lightning to Southwestern Region 2

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued weather alerts for Nagasaki and Kumamoto Prefectures in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, September 10, as a Linear Precipitation Band brought severe downpour to the area. Officials also warned residents across a wide area along the Sea of ​​Japan coast for flooding in low-lying areas, and swelling and overflowing rivers due to heavy rain with lightning.

Mt. Fuji opens Shizuoka route

Mt. Fuji opens Shizuoka route

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Fujinomiya route on July 10, 2025, as the route in Shizuoka Prefecture on Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, opened the same day along with two other routes, following the July 1 opening of the Yamanashi Prefecture-side route. All routes are open through Sept. 10. (Kyodo), ==Kyodo

Mt. Fuji opens Shizuoka route

Mt. Fuji opens Shizuoka route

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Fujinomiya route on July 10, 2025, as the route in Shizuoka Prefecture on Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, opened the same day along with two other routes, following the July 1 opening of the Yamanashi Prefecture-side route. All routes are open through Sept. 10. (Kyodo), ==Kyodo

[Breaking News]Sanyo Shinkansen Line

FUKUOKA, Japan, March 10 Kyodo - A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively. (Kyodo)

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers walking around the crater of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers lining up to take a photo on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows a weather station on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows a weather station on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers flocking around mountain lodges on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season peaks. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers flocking around mountain lodges on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season peaks. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers lining up to take a photo on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers lining up to take a photo on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers walking around the crater of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers on the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers on the summit of the Fujinomiya trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, seen from the Yamanashi prefectural side. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers walking around the crater of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows climbers lining up to take a photo on the Kengamine summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 10, 2024, shows the Kengamine summit (background) and the summit of the Yoshida trail of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, as its climbing season reaches its peak. The 3,776-meter mountain in central Japan straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

More injuries, damage reported after major quakes struck central Japan

STORY: More injuries, damage reported after major quakes struck central Japan SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 1, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 1, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: Japan CATEGORY: BREAKING NEWS SHOTLIST: 1. footage in Nagano, Japan 2. footage in Toyama, Japan 3. footage on Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kanazawa) 4. footage in a local store in Japan STORYLINE: Multiple cases of damage and injuries have been reported after strong earthquakes rocked Japan's western coast on Monday amidst the country's New Year celebrations, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders in several prefectures. The series of strong earthquakes with major ones of up to a preliminary 7.6 magnitude have been hitting a wide area on the Sea of Japan coast in central Japan since Monday afternoon, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). According to the JMA, among the quakes, the major temblor occurred at 4:10 p.m. local time (0710 GMT) at a shallow depth, registering a maximum 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale on the N

Sea urchins return to Sea of Japan coastal waters

Sea urchins return to Sea of Japan coastal waters

FUKUI, Japan - A diver is all smiles with a bagful of sea urchins she gathered after three hours of work on Aug. 6, the last day of the urchin-gathering season off the coast of Fukui Prefecture. Fishermen in the area say the volume of sea urchins caught off the Fukui coast have more or less returned to normal 10 years after the Russian oil tanker Nakhodka carrying 20,000 kiloliters of fuel oil broke up in stormy weather in the Sea of Japan and up to 6,200 kiloliters of oil washed up in the coasts of 10 prefectures. At one point, the volume of sea urchins gathered by a local fishermen's cooperative in Fukui dropped to 19 kilograms, compared with an annual average of 300 kg before the spill, fishermen say.

Fukushima police comb debris in coastal areas

Fukushima police comb debris in coastal areas

NAMIE, Japan - Fukushima prefectural police officers comb through debris in the town of Namie on Nov. 11, 2014, 44 months after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, in search of missing victims' remains. As of Nov. 10, 2,593 people were unaccounted for in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, according to the National Police Agency.

Volunteers join search for people missing in 2011 tsunami

Volunteers join search for people missing in 2011 tsunami

SENDAI, Japan - Volunteers comb a coastline in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, on Oct. 11, 2014, in search of human remains, personal belongings and other items related to missing victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan. As of Oct. 10, 2,594 people remain missing in Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures as a result of the disaster.

Police continue search for people missing in 2011 tsunami

Police continue search for people missing in 2011 tsunami

SENDAI, Japan - Police officers comb a coastal area in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, on Oct. 11, 2014, in search of human remains, personal belongings and other items related to missing victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan. As of Oct. 10, 2,549 people remain missing in Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures as a result of the disaster.

Fair held in Osaka to promote delicacies from quake-hit region

Fair held in Osaka to promote delicacies from quake-hit region

OSAKA, Japan - A man offers to serve a product at a fair held in the Umeda commercial district of Osaka, western Japan, on Oct. 10, 2014, to promote delicacies from six prefectures in the northeastern Japan region of Tohoku, most of which was hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:28 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. A mountain lodge covered in ash is seen at top, to the right. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:34 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014, with Mt. Fuji seen in the background, to the right. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:35 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:21 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:14 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows mountain lodges covered in ash near a crater of Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:21 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

Central Japan volcano Mt. Ontake erupts

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows columns of smoke rising from Mt. Ontake, a volcano straddling Nagano and Gifu prefectures in central Japan, at 2:14 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2014. The volcano erupted shortly before noon the same day, with about 10 hikers injured.

4 disaster-hit prefectures urge continued gov't aid

4 disaster-hit prefectures urge continued gov't aid

TOKYO, Japan - Leaders of four prefectures in northeastern Japan ravaged by the 2011 disaster present a joint request to Reconstruction Minister Takumi Nemoto (extreme R) for continuation of intensive government support for reconstruction work in Tokyo on July 10, 2014. (From L) Vice Governor Yuji Aoyama of Aomori, Vice Governor Fumio Murata of Fukushima, Governor Takuya Tasso of Iwate and Governor Yoshihiro Murai of Miyagi.

Sake makers from disaster-hit areas serve samples in London

Sake makers from disaster-hit areas serve samples in London

LONDON, Britain - Thirteen Japanese sake makers from 10 prefectures in Japan including Miyagi and Iwate, most severely hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, take part in a tasting event in London on June 18, 2012, designed to demonstrate Japanese culture pertaining to sake as well as recovery progress in the wake of the damage caused by the disaster.

Tsunami-damaged vehicles

Tsunami-damaged vehicles

SENDAI, Japan - Photo taken April 10, 2012, shows vehicles damaged by the March 2011 tsunami at a temporary storage site in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. More than 37,000 vehicles are still being kept in temporary storage by municipalities after being badly damaged in the disaster in the worst-affected prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, according to a recent Kyodo News survey.

Rainbow origami cranes from world cheer up tsunami-ravaged city

Rainbow origami cranes from world cheer up tsunami-ravaged city

MINAMISANRIKU, JAPAN - Volunteers display origami cranes sent from across Japan and overseas along a wall by a national road in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefectures, on March 10, 2012, one day before the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake-tsunami disaster that ravaged the town and other areas in northeastern Japan.

Police wind up support mission in disaster-hit Iwate

Police wind up support mission in disaster-hit Iwate

OFUNATO, Japan - Police officers from across Japan who have supported operations in disaster-hit Iwate Prefecture line up at a send-off ceremony in Ofunato in the Prefecture on Feb. 10, 2012. They will return to their original prefectures as they wrap up their mission.

Tsunami monument

Tsunami monument

KAMAISHI, Japan - A stone monument is set up in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 9, 2011, to commemorate the March quake and tsunami. The cenotaph is the first of the 500 projected monuments to be set up by the stone industry over 10 years along the Pacific coast in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures struck by the tsunami.