The tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, and Hokkaido in northern Japan.

Television anchors across multiple channels urged residents to evacuate immediately to higher ground and move away from rivers and coastal areas, while also reminding people of the lessons from the “3/11 disaster”.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres at 4:53 p.m. and initially registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, The Japan Times reported.

Tremors were reportedly felt in distant areas, including Tokyo, where buildings were seen shaking.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to move to safer locations, stating that authorities were still assessing the extent of damage and impact.

“At this time, we are still confirming the material damage and impact on residents, but we will receive detailed reports shortly and proceed with disaster response efforts,” she was quoted as saying by The Japan Times.