Japan Earthquake: Bullet train services halted between Tokyo–Aomori

Bullet train services between Tokyo and Aomori were halted after a powerful earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, disrupting rail operations and triggering a tsunami warning.

The tremor, measured at magnitude 7.5, had its epicentre in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 10 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Authorities warned that tsunami waves of up to 3 metres could hit coastal areas in Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures.

According to Kyodo News agency, rail operators suspended Shinkansen services, including those connecting Tokyo and Aomori, as a safety precaution following the quake. Broadcaster NHK showed ships leaving Hachinohe port in Hokkaido as alerts urging evacuation were issued.

Citizens in the affected areas to evacuate

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had set up an emergency task force and urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to safer locations.

The quake registered an “upper 5” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which is strong enough to make movement difficult and can lead to the collapse of unreinforced concrete-block walls.

Japan is among the most earthquake-prone countries in the world and lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” accounting for a significant share of global seismic activity.