Watch: Japan Earthquake Tremors Shake Newsroom, Papers Fly Off Desks

A powerful earthquake off northern Japan has produced dramatic visuals from inside a newsroom, capturing the intensity of the late night tremors that left at least 30 people injured and caused widespread disruption across the region.

Newsroom Video Shows Violent Shaking

A viral video from inside the office of broadcaster ABA Aomori Asahi Broadcasting shows the walls trembling forcefully as desks shake and papers swirl through the air. The clip, one minute and fifty four seconds long, appears to be from the Hachinohe city branch of the network. Equipment is seen wobbling as the newsroom struggles to remain steady during what was initially measured as a 7.6 magnitude quake.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) later revised the strength to 7.5. The tremors damaged roads, disrupted essential services and left thousands without electricity during freezing conditions. Officials also issued a tsunami warning soon after the quake struck.

According to the JMA, the earthquake that hit at 11:15 PM on Monday increased the chances of another tremor of similar or stronger intensity in the coming days.

Injuries, Damaged Roads and Widespread Evacuations

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that 30 people were injured after the offshore quake near the Aomori region triggered tsunami waves that reached up to 70 centimetres. Among the injured was one person in serious condition in Hokkaido, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.

Images from affected zones showed deep cracks cutting across roads. One car was captured partially lodged in a hole, while shattered glass from windows lay scattered across nearby streets. Initial reports mentioned several fires, but government spokesman Minoru Kihara said there was one confirmed blaze at a house.

Emergency agencies advised around 28,000 people to evacuate, and local media reported that some temporary shelters were already full.

In Aomori, nearly 2,700 homes faced power outages, though the number dropped to below 40 within hours, according to Kyodo News.

Tsunami Alerts and Transport Disruptions

The JMA at first warned of possible tsunami waves up to three metres high and urged residents to move quickly to safer ground. The actual waves recorded were far smaller, reaching a maximum height of 70 centimetres, and the warning was withdrawn after several hours.

Bullet train operations on the Shinkansen line were halted in some sectors as teams inspected tracks for structural issues. Energy operator Tohoku Electric Power confirmed that no irregularities were detected at the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori or the Onagawa plant in Miyagi.

PM Urges Continued Vigilance

Prime Minister Takaichi asked people to stay alert in the days ahead given the likelihood of more seismic activity.

"Please listen to information from the JMA or local governments for about a week and check if furniture is fixed .... and be prepared to evacuate when you feel shaking," she said.