An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck north-eastern Japan Thursday, the Meteorological Agency said, DPA reported.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. The agency did not issue a tsunami warning.
The epicentre of the 5:21 pm (0821 GMT) quake was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, the agency said.
The same region was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami on March 11.