• A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, prompting a tsunami warning.
• Tsunami waves of up to 3 meters are expected to hit affected areas.
• The earthquake's epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture.
• Japanese authorities have advised immediate evacuation for those in coastal regions.
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has set up a crisis management team.

A strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on April 20 at 4:53 PM local time, prompting a tsunami warning for waves expected to reach up to 3 meters in Iwate and Hokkaido Prefectures. The earthquake registered at a depth reported between 10 to 13 kilometers, shaking structures as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, CBS News, India Times, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the tsunami could reach the northern coastline immediately. Residents in affected areas have been strongly advised to evacuate to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings. "Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly; do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted," the agency cautioned, as reported by Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that a crisis management team has been activated to oversee the emergency response, while authorities are assessing the potential extent of damage and casualties. Although immediate damage reports are limited, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, according to Le Monde and CBS News.

This earthquake occurs in a region frequently affected by seismic activity, and Japan remains vigilant after the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused extensive devastation. The current incident underscores the persistent risks associated with living along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate interactions lead to frequent earthquakes, as noted by Al Jazeera and India Times.