Archive photo: SHUTTERSTOCK A magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded this morning (April 20, 2026) approximately 114 km east of the coast of Miyako Island in northern Japan. The powerful earthquake was followed by a tsunami warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for large parts of the eastern coast of Japan. According to publications in the country, three-meter waves could hit Iwate prefecture, as well as parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. In other parts of northeastern Japan, the agency issued an advisory regarding a tsunami of up to one meter (3.3 feet).
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi issued a special message: “Residents in areas where tsunami warnings have been issued should immediately evacuate to higher ground or safer locations such as evacuation buildings,” Takaichi told reporters in a news briefing on Monday.
The Japanese Meteorological Service reported that the earthquake, which occurred at around 5:00 PM local time, occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers below sea level.
Among the parts of Japan where the most severe warning has been issued is the area north of and flowing into Uchiura Bay. The warning also extends to the country's more northern islands. According to reports in Japan, the warning may also extend to parts of Russia.