Tsunami waves crash into Japan after Russia 8.8 quake, Hokkaido among first hit | Watch 

First tsunami wave measuring 1 foot spotted in Japan

Just hours after a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck Russia, tsunami waves reached the shores of Japan, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that waves up to 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) were observed at 16 coastal locations, starting from Hokkaido and moving southward along the Pacific coast, reaching areas just northeast of Tokyo.

The highest wave recorded so far, measuring 50 centimetres (1.6 feet), struck Ishinomaki, according to the agency.

🌊 BREAKING: Tsunami waves begin hitting Japan’s coastline Sirens are blaring. Residents are rushing to higher ground.

This is the impact of the massive M8.7 quake near Russia. ⚠️ Stay alert. Stay safe. #Japan#Tsunami#Earthquake#BreakingNewspic.twitter.com/6tezy3eiIO — CelebWatch (@ItsCelebWatch) July 30, 2025

🚨🇯🇵 BREAKING: TSUNAMI WAVES HIT JAPAN

Waves reach Japanese coast following powerful earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. Evacuation alerts issued across northern Japan including Hokkaido.pic.twitter.com/5MKtFhel4Chttps://t.co/AaOEOVZ2Cb — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 30, 2025

Japan has witnessed a rare and alarming incident, with multiple whales found washed ashore along the coastline of Tateyama City in Chiba Prefecture.

As per the report, the wave hit the main northern island of Hokkaido. The NHK has also issued a warning that subsequent waves could be much higher.

In response to the tsunami threat, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency earlier issued an evacuation advisory affecting over 900,000 people across 133 municipalities, spanning from Hokkaido to Okinawa. However, an updated advisory was issued later for 2 million residents.