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Japan Faces Annual 7.0+ Earthquakes Amid Tsunami Preparedness

4/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Japan Meteorological Agency reports Japan experiences magnitude seven or higher earthquakes about once a year.
The most recent significant quake was a 7.6-magnitude event off Aomori prefecture in December 2025.
Japan accounts for over 10% of global earthquakes with magnitude six or higher, reflecting government emphasis on tsunami education and prompt evacuation.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, magnitude 9.0, caused over 18,000 deaths and a Fukushima nuclear meltdown.

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Story summary

The Japan Meteorological Agency reports Japan experiences magnitude seven or higher earthquakes about once a year.
The most recent significant quake was a 7.6-magnitude event off Aomori prefecture in December 2025.
Japan accounts for over 10% of global earthquakes with magnitude six or higher, reflecting government emphasis on tsunami education and prompt evacuation.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, magnitude 9.0, caused over 18,000 deaths and a Fukushima nuclear meltdown.