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.
