
At 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, Northeastern Japan started to shake. On the Japanese shindo scale, the quake measured between 3 and 4 (overhead lights sway and objects rattle, but some people who are on the move may not notice it) in most areas, a ‘low-5’ at its strongest. Thankfully, there are thought to have been no casualties as the tremor was relatively short-lived, and with the quake of March 2011 and weeks of resulting aftershocks having been far stronger, the people of Tohoku are now fairly hardened when it comes to smaller rumbles.
Curiously though, no sooner had the earthquake passed than a few jokesters began sharing the above image from the Japan Meteorological Agency, along with messages of “LOL” and ‘Why do I suddenly feel like I want to go to Northeastern Japan?”
Showing the strength of the earthquake in a number of areas via a colour-coded chart, the map is intended to let people know exactly which areas were most seriously affected. What made people chuckle, though, was the pattern that the highlighted areas made, with many saying that they formed “a girl in a bikini.”
▼ Are you seeing this?
With blue hair akin to that of an anime princess and an orange bikini, this “earthquake girl” as many are calling it brought a little light relief to those whom yesterday’s tremors may have left a little shaken (no pun intended). We’re not entirely sure that we can agree that she’s “sexy”, but there’s no denying that those legs, with their slightly turned-in feet, look remarkably like those of a stereotypical Shibuya kogal high schooler wearing a pair of those big, flared socks.
Stay safe, boys and girls!
Source: Himajin Sokuhou (Japanese) Image edited by RocketNews24


Strong earthquake hits Japan as anniversary of Fukushima disaster approaches【Photos, Videos】
Is Japan about to be rocked by a big earthquake?
Osaka earthquake: Scenes show damage from strongest tremor to hit the region in decades
When earthquakes hit close to home, they really hit close to home
Japanese scientist predicts another major earthquake in Japan by 2017
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Here’s what you need to know before the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking voting goes live
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japan’s first-ever capybara cat cafe opens in Tokyo
Starbucks releases a Kyoto Matcha Latte in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
How to survive an earthquake (or zombie outbreak): Expert advice and items to prepare
Predicting Japan’s next big earthquake–should we worry? Probably
15 years after Tohoku tsunami, Japan’s free disaster phone message number is important to remember