Strong Earthquake Strikes Off Iwate, Japan
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit off Japan’s northeastern coast on November 9, 2025, triggering tsunami advisories later lifted after small waves were recorded. No injuries reported.
A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan on Sunday evening at 5:03 PM JST on November 9, 2025. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers and was located approximately 126 kilometers (78 miles) east of Yamada, a coastal town in the region.
The JMA issued a tsunami advisory for Iwate Prefecture immediately after the quake, warning of potential waves up to 1 meter. However, the actual waves recorded were significantly smaller—measuring between 10 to 20 centimeters across various coastal areas. The advisory was lifted approximately three hours after the initial earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the magnitude as 6.8 Mw, consistent with the JMA’s reading of 6.9.
Related earthquakes in this region have been documented in our coverage of significant seismic events. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and nuclear facilities in the area operated normally without any reported abnormalities. However, the earthquake caused temporary disruptions to transportation networks.
Earthquake Measurements
Event Timeline
Transportation & Service Disruptions
Recorded Tsunami Wave Heights by Location
| Location / Port | Wave Height Recorded | Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| Ofunato | 10-20 cm | Iwate |
| Kuji (Coastal Area) | 20 cm (Maximum) | Iwate |
| Miyako | 10-15 cm | Iwate |
| Kamaishi | 10-15 cm | Iwate |
| Ominato Port | ~10 cm | Adjacent Region |
Japan’s Seismic Activity Context
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones. The region experiences frequent earthquakes due to the interaction of four major tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate, Philippine Plate, Eurasian Plate, and North American Plate. This geological positioning makes Japan one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations, with advanced monitoring and early warning systems in place to protect residents.
Recent seismic events in related areas have been documented in our coverage of Pacific Ring of Fire earthquakes and underwater seismic events affecting tsunami formation.
Official Information Sources
Coverage Summary
The article covered the November 9, 2025 earthquake off Iwate Prefecture, Japan, including the 6.9 magnitude seismic event occurring at 20 kilometers depth. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory that was subsequently lifted after observation of small waves ranging from 10 to 20 centimeters across coastal monitoring stations.
The earthquake resulted in no reported injuries or significant damage. Temporary transportation disruptions occurred, including brief suspension of Tohoku Shinkansen service between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations. Nuclear facilities in the area operated without abnormality throughout the event. Multiple aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the main earthquake, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning residents to remain alert for possible stronger aftershocks over the following 2-3 days. For related seismic events, see our coverage of Japan’s coastal geological changes.
