The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the west coast of Japan on New Year’s Day has resulted in at least 20 reported deaths, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that extensive damage has been confirmed and casualties are expected to rise. The quake triggered the country’s first major tsunami warning since the 2011 disaster. Multiple buildings were brought down, fires were ignited, and a major tsunami of at least 1.2 meters left widespread devastation, specifically in the town of Wajima. Other areas also suffered significant damage, with nearly 100,000 people evacuated across nine prefectures and almost 33,000 households remaining without power. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s New Year’s appearance was cancelled as a result of the disaster. Countries around the world have expressed their solidarity and willingness to offer assistance to Japan in dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.