Magnitude 7.2 quake off Japan's north coast triggers tsunami alert

• Magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast.
• Quake triggered a tsunami alert for up to 3 meters (10 feet).
• Epicenter was near Aomori, off Hokkaido, about 50 km below sea surface.
• Nuclear power plants in the region are conducting safety checks.

Why It Matters: This highlights immediate danger to Japan's coast and nuclear plants.