Japan 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Expresses Readiness to Assist Japan
Following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in northeastern Japan, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences to Japan and its readiness to provide assistance at any time. Taiwan's representative offices in Japan are assessing the damage and the situation of Taiwanese citizens. So far, no reports of Taiwanese travelers being affected have been received.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 22:47
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TAIPEI, April 20 (CNA) - Following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in northeastern Japan, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs today expressed its condolences to Japan and its readiness to provide assistance at any time. The Ministry stated that its resident missions have not yet received information about Taiwanese citizens, expatriates, or students being affected.
A strong earthquake occurred in northeastern Japan today, with the magnitude revised up to 7.7. Authorities issued a 'Hokkaido-Sanrikuoki Aftershock Warning,' warning of an increased risk of earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release this evening, stating that it is extremely concerned about the damage caused by the earthquake in Japan. It immediately contacted the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan, to express condolences and readiness to provide assistance.
The Ministry mentioned that it had immediately instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Sapporo Office to understand the disaster situation and the status of Taiwanese citizens in the affected areas. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged coastal residents to 'immediately evacuate to high ground or safety buildings,' and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara held a press conference to explain that there have been no abnormalities reported concerning nuclear power plant facilities. Japanese media such as NHK continue to report on the suspension of Shinkansen services and power outages in some areas.
The Ministry said it has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Sapporo Office to proactively contact Taiwanese local community associations and students, reminding them to pay attention to their safety. As of now, no information has been received regarding Taiwanese residents, local expatriates, or students being affected. If citizens encounter emergencies locally, please immediately call the emergency assistance hotline numbers (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan +81-80-1009-7179 or +81-80-1009-7436, Sapporo Office +81-80-1460-2568). (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 04/20/2026
A strong earthquake occurred in northeastern Japan today, with the magnitude revised up to 7.7. Authorities issued a 'Hokkaido-Sanrikuoki Aftershock Warning,' warning of an increased risk of earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release this evening, stating that it is extremely concerned about the damage caused by the earthquake in Japan. It immediately contacted the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan, to express condolences and readiness to provide assistance.
The Ministry mentioned that it had immediately instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Sapporo Office to understand the disaster situation and the status of Taiwanese citizens in the affected areas. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged coastal residents to 'immediately evacuate to high ground or safety buildings,' and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara held a press conference to explain that there have been no abnormalities reported concerning nuclear power plant facilities. Japanese media such as NHK continue to report on the suspension of Shinkansen services and power outages in some areas.
The Ministry said it has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Sapporo Office to proactively contact Taiwanese local community associations and students, reminding them to pay attention to their safety. As of now, no information has been received regarding Taiwanese residents, local expatriates, or students being affected. If citizens encounter emergencies locally, please immediately call the emergency assistance hotline numbers (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan +81-80-1009-7179 or +81-80-1009-7436, Sapporo Office +81-80-1460-2568). (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 04/20/2026