The powerful earthquake was felt throughout southern Japan. Photo / Japan Meteorological Agency
A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck off the southern coast of Japan, sparking a tsunami advisory.
Public broadcaster NHK reported the quake was first measured as a 6.9 magnitude shake but has since been upgraded.
The strong shake, at a depth of 30km, struck off the eastern coast of Kyushu, the southwestern-most of Japan’s main islands, about 7.42pm NZT.
NHK reported no immediate signs of major damage but said 50cm high waves had already been observed.
The Japan Meteorological Agency predicted waves of up to 1m along the coast of Kyushu and the nearby island of Shikoku.
Those near coastal areas, rivers, or lakes were advised to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, told reporters there had been no reports of abnormalities at nuclear power plants following the violent shake. The Government was checking for damage and casualties.
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