A massive earthquake hit Japan — Tsunami warning issued.

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan, with its epicenter located about 50 km beneath the sea near Hokkaido island and Aomori prefecture. Authorities immediately issued tsunami warnings, cautioning that waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) high could hit the coasts of Hokkaido and Aomori.

Within minutes, tsunami waves of around 40 cm were recorded in Urakawa (Hokkaido) and Mutsu Ogawara (Aomori). Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force to assess damage and stated that saving lives remains the top priority. Officials are inspecting nuclear power plants in the affected areas, while local reports confirm several people were injured after part of a hotel collapsed in Hachinohe town.