A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake jolted northern Japan late Monday, leaving at least 33 people injured and triggering the country's first official "megaquake" warning amid fears of even stronger aftershocks. The tremor, which struck around 80 kilometers off the coast near Aomori at a shallow depth of 54 kilometers, sent residents scrambling as buildings swayed and objects tumbled inside homes. Tsunami alerts were swiftly issued but later lifted after waves reached only about 70 centimeters in some areas.​

Emergency services reported no fatalities, though one individual in Hachinohe suffered serious injuries from falling debris, with many others treated for minor cuts and bruises. Over 90,000 people evacuated coastal zones temporarily, and around 200 travelers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido due to halted flights. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated crisis response teams, and Self-Defense Forces helicopters were dispatched for damage assessments, confirming no major structural collapses so far.​

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued the unprecedented megaquake advisory, advising those along the Pacific coast to remain on high alert for the next week, as this event echoes risks near the 2011 Tohoku catastrophe that killed nearly 20,000. A 5.1-magnitude aftershock followed early Tuesday, keeping nerves frayed. Nearby nuclear facilities conducted safety checks with no anomalies detected.​

Authorities urged preparedness—stocking essentials like water, flashlights, and first-aid kits—highlighting Japan's world-leading quake-resistant infrastructure that likely prevented worse outcomes. Updates continue as teams evaluate full impacts; residents are advised to monitor official channels for the latest.