A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit north-eastern Japan on Monday night, leaving at least 30 people injured and forcing around 90,000 residents to evacuate.
The quake struck at 23:15 local time, about 80km off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, at a depth of 50km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
It triggered tsunami warnings now lifted after waves of up to 70cm were recorded.
Thousands of homes have been left without electricity, and several train services along the north-eastern corridor have been suspended.
Authorities warn that aftershocks or a stronger quake remain possible and urge residents to stay on high alert for the next seven days.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens to secure furniture, review evacuation plans, and be prepared to move immediately if shaking resumes.
The government has activated an emergency response centre to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
Energy officials say no irregularities were detected at the Higashidori, Onagawa, or Fukushima nuclear power facilities.
Japan, located on the seismically active Ring of Fire, records around 1,500 earthquakes annually. Experts recently warned of a 60–90% chance of a major “Nankai Trough” megaquake within the next 30 years.