Panic and uncertainty swept through Japan just hours before Liverpool’s scheduled pre-season fixture in Yokohama, as the country was hit with a major tsunami warning.

A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia triggered official alerts across Japan’s Pacific shoreline, raising concerns for the Reds, who are currently in the country preparing for their next friendly.

Having just wrapped up their Hong Kong leg—where they fell 4-2 to AC Milan despite standout moments from new boy Florian Wirtz—Arne Slot’s men arrived in Japan on Sunday to continue their build-up to the new Premier League season.

But the atmosphere turned tense when reports emerged of the first tsunami waves—30cm high—reaching Japan’s northern coast, with additional 40cm waves recorded in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, around 850 miles from Liverpool’s current base in Yokohama.

🚨 Japanese officials quickly issued evacuation orders, urging coastal residents to seek higher ground or move to reinforced evacuation facilities. A government statement warned:

> “Damage from tsunami waves is anticipated. Evacuate immediately. Remain in safe areas until all warnings are lifted.”



Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, confirmed that emergency teams are actively assessing the impact and that protecting lives remains the top priority.

📍Yokohama, situated just south of Tokyo on Japan’s western coast, is not among the areas expected to bear the brunt of the tsunami. However, the city has prepared evacuation routes and shelters as a precaution.

⚽ At the time of writing, Liverpool’s friendly with Yokohama F. Marinos is still scheduled to kick off at 11:30am UK time, with local transport services to the Nissan Stadium operating normally.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops—and fingers crossed for safety and football.