Following the earthquake that occurred off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture on December 8, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a "Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory". Please be on the lookout for large tremors over the next week or so, and make safety your top priority.

For more information on the "Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory", please refer to the multilingual information on the Cabinet Office's Disaster Prevention Information page.
https://www.bousai.go.jp/jishin/nihonkaiko_chishima/sankou_shiryou.html

[December 8, 2025] As of 11:24 pm

- Today (December 8th), at approximately 11:15 PM, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Aomori Prefecture. A maximum seismic intensity of 5+ was observed in Hokkaido.
- Tsunami warnings are currently in effect. People who are near the sea or rivers should move away from the coast as quickly as possible and evacuate to a safe location, such as high ground or a tall building. Please remain in a safe location until the advisory has been lifted.

- For updated information, please check the Hokkaido Disaster Prevention Portal.
https://www.bousai-hokkaido.jp/
- For the latest traffic information, please check the Hokkaido Travel Safety Information site.
https://hokkaido-safe-travel.brdg.site/

As of September 16, 2025, 6:25 pm

The Sapporo Regional Headquarters of the JMA raised the eruption alert for Mt. Meakan to Level 2 (restrictions around the crater) at 3:20 PM on September 15th. An eruption may occur that could affect an area approximately 500 meters from the Ponmachineshiri crater, so please do not enter the risk area.

Because an eruption is expected to affect the crater area (and entering this area would pose a risk to life), the following three hiking trails have been restricted.
Restricted Areas:
　- Lake Akan Course (Kushiro City side) - restricted above the 6th station
　- Meakan Onsen Course (Ashoro Town side) - restricted above the 7th station
　- Onneto Course (Ashoro Town side) - restricted above the 7th station
*If an eruption occurs, please be aware that small volcanic rocks may be blown down the mountain depending on wind direction.
Points of caution:
　- Carry a radio or cell phone, and regularly check for updated information.
　- Submit a hiking plan to the Hokkaido Prefectural Police website, or your nearest police station.
　- Be sure to write the time you begin and end your hike in the hiker information log at the trailhead.
　- Prepare a helmet in case of an eruption or falling rocks.
　- If you notice anything out of the ordinary, ensure your safety and immediately start your descent of the mountain.

Please be aware of updates from local municipalities and the JMA. For the latest disaster information, please check the Hokkaido Disaster Prevention Portal.
https://www.bousai-hokkaido.jp/

For more information about eruption alert levels, see the JMA homepage.
https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kokusai/multi.html