A magnitude 4 earthquake struck Hokkaido, in Northern Japan, but authorities have confirmed that there is no risk of a tsunami. While lesser in scale, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of Japan's vulnerability to natural disasters. Thankfully, no significant damages or casualties have been reported at this time, demonstrating the effectiveness of preparedness measures.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to its location in the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The country has developed stringent building codes and early warning systems to mitigate damages and casualties. News of earthquakes, such as this, often sparks concerns over safety and disaster readiness - both important values in Japanese society.

In the US or EU, similar levels of earthquake would also be newsworthy but typically with less concern over tsunamis unless the epicenter is underwater or near the coast. The frequency of earthquakes in Japan has led to a higher level of preparedness and infrastructure resilience compared to other countries.