Magnitude 5.8 earthquake hits off Japan's Hokkaido coast; no tsunami warning issued

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 occurred off the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, on the morning of July 1, 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the epicenter was located east of Aomori Prefecture, at a depth of approximately 80 kilometers.

The tremor registered a maximum seismic intensity of 4 on Japan's scale in several locations, including Hakodate city in Hokkaido, and Hirani, Sotogahama, Noheji, Shichinohe, Yokohama, Higashidori, and Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture, as well as Ninohe city in Iwate Prefecture. An intensity of 4 means most people indoors were startled, and most who were sleeping woke up.

Lower intensities were observed in other areas, with a magnitude of 3 recorded in Muroran, Tomakomai, Chitose, Aomori, Hachinohe, Miyako, and Kuji. Sapporo and Sendai experienced intensities of 1 to 2. Despite the significant shaking, Japanese authorities have confirmed that there is no risk of a tsunami.

As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or damage to buildings. However, Japan Atomic Power Company (JNFL) is currently inspecting its facilities, including a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, in Rokkasho village, Aomori Prefecture, where an intensity of 3 was recorded.