A sign displays information about a road closure due to an earthquake on a highway in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, December 9, 2025. (Photo: Kyodo/via REUTERS)

Immediately after the quake, the Japanese Government issued tsunami warnings for several northeastern localities, including Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Fukushima, and multiple Pacific coastal areas.

The earthquake injured at least two people. Around 3,900 households in Aomori and about 300 in Iwate lost power. Tens of thousands of households in coastal areas of Hokkaido, Iwate, Aomori, and several other localities were evacuated. The quake also caused delays to some high-speed rail services and several flights from Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said: “The government has set up an emergency response office at the Prime Minister’s Office immediately after the earthquake. I instructed Cabinet members to promptly and accurately provide information on the earthquake and tsunami to the public, thoroughly implement measures to minimize damage, such as evacuating residents, quickly assess the extent of the damage, and work closely with local authorities. With the principle of putting people’s lives and safety first, we will make every effort as a unified government to carry out emergency response measures, including search and rescue operations.”