Strong Quake Shakes Eastern Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's eastern coast on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning.

The epicentre of the quake was about 245km (150 miles) south-east of Kamiashi at a depth of about 36km, the US Geological Survey said.

BBC has cited media reports saying the quake was felt in the capital Tokyo.

The tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, which was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat to the wider Pacific Ocean but that a tsunami could be generated that was destructive for local coastlines.

The warning said the tsunami could be as high as 2 meters.