A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan on Thursday, but the Japan Meteorological Agency stated there was no danger of a tsunami. The quake, which occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate prefecture at a depth of approximately 30 miles, was initially reported as a 6.9 magnitude before being upgraded.
The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake's magnitude at 6.9.
The tremor occurred during the morning rush hour in Japan's northeastern region and was also felt mildly in Tokyo. Top government spokesperson Minoru Kihara reported no immediate injuries or damage.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the event, stating that her government's emergency team is prioritizing people's lives while assessing information and preparing for potential relief operations. She advised residents in affected areas to be cautious of possible aftershocks.
Eyewitness accounts described moderate shaking. Tomoko Nagane, a primary school principal in Hashikami town, Aomori prefecture, was driving when the quake alert sounded. She reported that children at the school were safe, though some were frightened. Classes were canceled for the day, and all children were sent home safely. Images from Hashikami Town Hall showed scattered office supplies and furniture following the earthquake.
Journalists in several heavily affected towns, including Sendai and Morioka, reported feeling the shaking for a couple of minutes but observed no visible damage. Footage showed people continuing their commutes as normal.
East Japan Railway Co. suspended some bullet train and local services in northeastern regions for safety inspections. Nuclear power plants and facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, reported no abnormalities resulting from the earthquake.
Japan is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high frequency of seismic activity, and has experienced significant earthquakes in recent months, including one in December that prompted a weeklong tsunami advisory. 
