Japan: M7.5 Quake Hits Off Aomori Prefecture, Tsunami Warning Issued 8

A powerful Magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, December 8, injuring dozens of people and leading to immediate tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for residents. A 70 cm tsunami was observed at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and all warnings were subsequently lifted.

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

BEIJING, China - (From L to R) Hiroko Sakai, Yukiko Ueno, and Naho Emoto of the Japanese softball team smile during the medal ceremony for the gold they captured in the final of the Beijing Games at the Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field Aug. 21.

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

BEIJING, China - Japan softball pitchers Hiroko Sakai (L) and Yukiko Ueno are jubilant during the medal ceremony for the gold they captured in the softball tournament of the Beijing Games at the Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field Aug. 21.

(2)Japan rebounds to clobber Taiwan in Athens softball

(2)Japan rebounds to clobber Taiwan in Athens softball

ATHENS, Greece - Japan's Hiroko Sakai throws a pitch during her team's women's preliminary Olympic softball game against Taiwan at Olympic Softball Stadium in Athens on August 15. Sakai tossed a two-hit shutout for a 6-0 victory.

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

BEIJING, China - (From L to R) Hiroko Sakai, Yukiko Ueno, and Naho Emoto of the Japanese softball team smile during the medal ceremony for the gold they captured in the final of the Beijing Games at the Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field Aug. 21. (Kyodo)

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

Japan beats 3-time champ U.S. to claim softball gold

BEIJING, China - Japan softball pitchers Hiroko Sakai (L) and Yukiko Ueno are jubilant during the medal ceremony for the gold they captured in the softball tournament of the Beijing Games at the Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field Aug. 21. (Kyodo)

(2)Japan rebounds to clobber Taiwan in Athens softball

(2)Japan rebounds to clobber Taiwan in Athens softball

ATHENS, Greece - Japan's Hiroko Sakai throws a pitch during her team's women's preliminary Olympic softball game against Taiwan at Olympic Softball Stadium in Athens on August 15. Sakai tossed a two-hit shutout for a 6-0 victory. (Kyodo)