Prime Minister Takichi Calls for Vigilance After Ibaraki Quake

In a post‑quake briefing on X, Prime Minister Sunaye Takichi briefed the nation about the 5.9 magnitude tremor that struck the southern area of Ibaraki prefecture around 02:00 on Sunday. He confirmed that the shaking reached a maximum of lower‑5 intensity in Tokyo’s 23 wards as well as in neighboring Ibaraki, Saitama and Chiba. No tsunami warning was issued, and the government promptly set up a crisis‑management contact centre within the Prime Minister’s office. Takichi instructed officials to gather comprehensive damage reports, disseminate accurate information quickly, and take any necessary measures. He urged residents in affected districts to remain alert, noting that a similar‑strength earthquake cannot be ruled out in the near future. The statement came as fire‑department officials reported injuries – a teen in Saitama, a 70‑year‑old woman, and three people in Kawasaki. Transportation networks experienced delays; some train lines were suspended, while others operated at reduced speeds. The Keisei line to Narita Airport resumed normal service after 09:40. Checks at the Tokai No. 2 nuclear plant and the Fukushima Daiichi and Dai‑ni reactors revealed no anomalies. The meteorological agency advised citizens to stay cautious for the next seven days, especially during the upcoming two‑to‑three‑day window when another lower‑5 quake is considered possible.