Stories from Japan

A magnitude 5-upper earthquake struck the Hokkaido Plain region in Japan at 05:24 local time. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for the Kaite area following the seismic activity. Residents are advised to monitor updates for potential wave impacts. A seismic event with a maximum intensity of 5-lower on the JMA scale occurred in the Hokkaido Plain Central region. The tremor reached a seismic intensity of 5-upper on the Japanese scale in the central region and 4 in other parts of Hokkaido. The earthquake was recorded at 05:23 with a magnitude of 6.1 and a depth of 80 km, reaching a maximum intensity of 5-upper in Hokkaido. No immediate casualties or damage were reported in the initial assessment. The US Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a depth of 81 kilometers. This follows a previous earthquake off the Japanese coast last Monday that triggered a brief tsunami warning.

Seismic activity recorded in the Tokachi region with intensities reaching upper 5 on the Japanese scale in central Tokachi and lower 5 in central Hidaka.

Wildfires in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, have doubled the area of destroyed residences within two days. Japan has deployed 1,400 firefighters and dozens of soldiers to combat forest fires in the north that have been burning for five days. Officials warn that the fires threaten homes in the coastal city of Otsuchi.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at 01:57 on April 27, 2026. Waves have swept across the coastline and moved into inland areas. The surge has reportedly turned villages, cities, and resort areas into ruins. Initial estimates suggest the disaster may have caused over 220,000 deaths. The impact of the waves was described as occurring almost instantaneously. Ukrainian specialists are working to assist Japanese colleagues in managing the aftermath of the disaster. Reports indicate that the waves surged into inland areas, turning coastal settlements into ruins. An estimated death toll of over 220,000 people has been cited in relation to the ongoing disaster. The scale of destruction is widespread across the affected coastline. Flooding and rising water levels are being described as a persistent and lethal disaster following the initial earthquake.

Liman from Serbia secured victory at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Opener held in Utsunomiya.

A US Navy vessel has docked at a Japanese port for the first time since the onset of the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. No specific ship name or port city was provided in the report. A US oil tanker has docked in Tokyo Bay, marking the first such occurrence in Japan. This arrival follows recent geopolitical tensions regarding US commitments to Europe and NATO. The vessel has docked in Tokyo Bay, marking its first arrival in Japan after transiting the Panama Canal.

The Karasuyama Line will suspend services on April 27 and April 28, 2026, from approximately 09:30 to 15:20 due to maintenance work.

Orix Buffaloes secured a victory against Nippon Ham in the Pacific League.

Orix Buffaloes secured a victory against Nippon Ham in the Pacific League.

Idol group Hinatazaka46 will hold the Hinata Fest 2026 outdoor music event on September 5-6 in Miyazaki City.