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Hokkaido earthquake update: Japanese officials give latest on tsunami warning after massive jolt
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck southern Hokkaido near Naka-satsunai on April 26, 2026, with initial reports indicating no tsunami warning and ongoing monitoring by authorities. The incident follows a sequence of larger quakes in the region earlier in the month, including a 7.7-magnitude event off Sanriku on April 20 that triggered a tsunami warning and heightened advisories. Authorities downgraded warnings to advisories and cautioned about potential high waves while continuing to monitor seismic activity.
Why It Matters
This timeline shows how Japan’s authorities respond to a sequence of earthquakes in quick succession, clarifying tsunami risk status and public safety guidance as advisories shift during ongoing monitoring.
Timeline
6 Events
April 26, 2026: Advisory downgraded; precautions continue and tsunami threat deemed non-existent
April 26, 2026
Warnings for affected northern regions have been reduced from warnings to advisory. NKH Japan urged residents to stay away from coasts and river mouths and to continue evacuations until advisories are lifted. The advisory stated that the threat of tsunami damage is non-existent, but waves could be higher than expected.
April 26, 2026: JMA reports shaking intensity, depth, and potential tsunami details
April 26, 2026
On Japan's seismic intensity scale, the earthquake registered as 'upper 5'. JMA reported the quake as ten kilometers deep with the epicenter in the Pacific Ocean, and warned that a three-meter tsunami could have flooded structures and threatened low-lying areas.
April 26, 2026: 6.1-magnitude quake hits Hokkaido near Naka-satsunai; no tsunami warning
April 26, 2026
A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Naka-satsunai in southern Hokkaido at about 20:23 UTC, with an estimated depth of 81 kilometers. The United States Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude and placed the epicenter about 18 km west of Sarabetsu. Earthquake Track reported the quake and noted that no tsunami warning was issued following the jolt. The Japan Meteorological Agency was monitoring the situation and expected to release more details.
April 24, 2026: Japan News reports on evacuations and preparations after advisory
April 24, 2026
The Japan News reported that following the earthquake advisory for Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast region on Monday, preparations were underway at tourist sites and other locations to evacuate safely in an emergency.
April 20, 2026: JMA notes elevated likelihood of a new huge earthquake
April 20, 2026
The JMA stated that the likelihood of a new, huge earthquake occurring is relatively higher than during normal times.
April 20, 2026: Magnitude 7.7 Sanriku earthquake prompts tsunami warning and advisories
April 20, 2026
An earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck off Sanriku, Japan, on Monday, April 20. The quake sparked a tsunami warning and led Japan to issue a special advisory on Monday alerting people to the increased danger of earthquakes with magnitudes of 8.0 or higher, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).