Japan hit by magnitude 7 earthquake, PM Takaichi sets up task force

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged vigilance across Japan on Thursday after a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The tremor caused strong shaking, reaching a seismic intensity of 6-upper in Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture.

While no tsunami is expected, Takaichi advised residents in affected areas to remain alert for further seismic activity. "To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of earthquakes of similar intensity," she posted on X.

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To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of earthquakes of similar intensity.

The Prime Minister's Office has established a task force to manage the disaster response. Relevant ministries and agencies are fully committed to assessing damage, conducting rescue and relief efforts, and providing timely information to the public, according to Takaichi.

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The government, immediately after the earthquake, established the Prime Minister's Office Response Room at the Crisis Management Center in the Prime Minister's Office, convened an emergency task force at the director-general level from relevant ministries and agencies, and based on my instructions, is fully committed to responses such as assessing the damage situation, rescue and relief efforts, and providing timely and accurate information to the public.