Japan has officially lifted its megaquake advisory for the northeastern coast, which was issued following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck off the coast on July 2, 2023. This decision comes one week after the initial quake, which prompted concerns about the potential for a larger seismic event. Residents in the affected areas are no longer required to sleep in their day clothes or keep helmets, shoes, and emergency grab bags nearby in preparation for a possible magnitude 8.0 earthquake.
In a joint press conference on Tuesday, officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Cabinet Office stated that while the probability of a megaquake has decreased, it does not mean the risk has vanished. They urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any future seismic activity.
The advisory was issued after the earthquake near Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island of Honshu, which is situated just south of Hokkaido. The quake caused mild damage in the region, resulting in over 40 injuries and damage to several homes, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Although tsunami alerts were triggered, with waves measuring up to 70 centimeters recorded in some areas, no significant tsunami-related damage was reported.
Officials commended the calm response from municipalities and residents during the advisory period, noting that there was no widespread panic. This response contrasts with the situation in the summer of 2024, when Japan issued its first “Nankai Trough” megaquake advisory for the southern Pacific coastline. That warning led to panic buying of emergency supplies, event cancellations, and business closures due to its ambiguous messaging.
The megaquake advisory system for the Hokkaido-Sanriku area was implemented in 2022, a direct lesson learned from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that impacted Japan’s northeastern coast. As the nation continues to navigate earthquake preparedness, officials emphasize the importance of public awareness and readiness for potential seismic events.
