Japan has issued a tsunami warning after reports of a major earthquake in the Kuril Islands, which lie north of Japan, at 1115 GMT.
The magnitude of the earthquake was measured as 8.1, meaning it is ranked as a major quake.
Japan?s Meteorological Agency told residents along Japan?s Pacific coast to flee to higher ground.
Any resulting tsunami can be expected to arrive sometime after 12.10pm GMT. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
There was only a 40cm high wave generated, no damage done.
Japan is one of the world?s most earthquake-prone countries because it sits atop four tectonic plates.