A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale struck Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan shortly after 23:00 local time, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported.
The epicenter was located in Aomori Prefecture, while the tremors were also felt in the large northern city of Sapporo.
Videos circulating on social media show the shaking and aftershocks, causing panic and concern among residents.
An NHK journalist in the Hokkaido region reported that the shaking was horizontal, lasted around 30 seconds, and that he was unable to remain standing when the earthquake hit.
So far, there are no official reports of casualties or major damage, while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
