** Japan Removes Mega‑Earthquake Advisory After 7.5‑Magnitude Shock

Japan lifted a mega‑earthquake advisory for its northeastern coast on Tuesday, a week after a magnitude‑7.5 tremor struck off northern Japan. The decision removes the temporary travel and evacuation warnings that had been in place since the shock, but officials stress that monitoring will continue. For the city’s growing community of expatriates, the change signals a shift from emergency restrictions to normal routine, while still reminding residents to stay prepared for aftershocks.

The removal of the advisory matters now because many foreign residents still keep their emergency kits and follow guidance that was issued during the alert period. Without the formal warning, schools and workplaces may resume regular schedules, yet the Japanese Meteorological Agency warns that aftershocks can persist for months, potentially affecting transportation and utilities. Understanding the new status helps expatriates plan daily commutes, childcare arrangements, and any travel outside Osaka without unnecessary disruption.

During the advisory, the government had designated specific coastal zones as evacuation areas, halted certain ferry services, and issued J‑Alert messages in Japanese and limited English. Residents were advised to stay indoors, avoid low‑lying streets, and keep emergency contact numbers handy. Although those restrictions are now lifted, the J‑Alert system remains active, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism continues to assess structural safety of bridges and tunnels that could be impacted by lingering seismic activity.

The advisory was introduced immediately after the 7.5‑magnitude quake triggered a brief tsunami warning and prompted a nationwide review of building codes and disaster‑response protocols. Seismic surveys conducted over the past week showed that the fault line beneath the affected region has not exhibited further significant movement, allowing engineers to certify key infrastructure as stable. This assessment, combined with pressure to restore normal economic activity, prompted the central government to lift the warning while keeping a heightened state of observation.

Download the official J‑Alert app (available in English) and enable push notifications. 2. Review the emergency‑kit checklist provided by the Osaka city website, ensuring you have water, food, a flashlight, and copies of your passport and residence card. 3. Register your address and emergency contact details at your ward office’s foreign‑resident portal. 4. Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation shelter, which is marked on the multilingual maps posted in public stations. 5. Keep an eye on NHK World’s English broadcasts for any updates on aftershocks or transportation advisories.

As the warning fades, Osaka’s foreign community can breathe a little easier, yet the city’s resilience hinges on each resident’s readiness to act at a moment’s notice. The next alert may arrive with a single tone, but a well‑prepared household will turn that signal into swift, confident action.