A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck on this morning (Tuesday) at about 06:00 local time (21:00 GMT Monday), the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Earthquake off north-eastern Japan near Fukushima prefecture has prompted a tsunami advisory.
Residents were asked to seek higher ground immediately. There were reports of minor injuries.
The initial tsunami warning of possible 3m (10ft) waves was downgraded to an advisory just before 10:00 local time.
A tsunami advisory was also issued for Miyagi prefecture, where a 1.4m wave was observed at Sendai port.
In 2011, an earthquake and tsunami struck the same area killing thousands and destroying parts of the coastline.
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