An earthquake preliminarily measured at 5.6 magnitude has hit off the Japanese coast, just north of Tokyo, Japanese national broadcaster NHK reports.
Local news outlets say the quake was felt in the Saitama and Tokyo areas, with buildings swaying.
Metro operations were briefly suspended on all routes in Tokyo, but services restarted four minutes later.
An elevator maintenance firm in Tokyo said several elevators stopped in the metropolitan area due to the quake with commuters asked to "use emergency buttons," according to NHK.
TASS news agency reports that books fell from shelves and furniture shook at its headquarters in Tokyo.
NHK: Shinkansen suspended between Tokyo and Odawara. Haneda Airport services unaffected.
— Tokyo Outsider (@tokyo_0) May 16, 2016
A 5.6 quake is considered strong according to the Japanese 7-point scale. NHK reports there was no immediate tsunami warning, however.
Japan Nuclear Power Association says a reactor at Tokai Nuclear Plant in Tokai village has "suspended operation" due to the quake. Tokyo Electric Power reports no incidents at the plant.
Magnitude of earthquake that struck at 21:26 revised to 5.6. Lower 5 shindo in Ibaraki; shindo 4 in Saitama, Chiba https://t.co/jryp06kErk
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) May 16, 2016
The Japanese meteorological society confirmed the reports of a 5.6 strong earthquake. It said the epicenter of the shocks was in the prefecture of Ibaraki.
No information of devastation or casualties has been reported from the Ibaraki prefecture.
Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey reports a 5.4 earthquake some 6 kilometers west of Iwai.
Strong earthquake felt in Tokyo. Epicenter M5.6 in Ibaraki. No tsunami. pic.twitter.com/XMeq4UWSXy
— Yumi Asada (@yumi_asada) May 16, 2016
NHK: Just after the earthquake there was some panic in G-7 ministerial entourage at hotels where they are staying in Tsukuba. Windows shook.
— Tokyo Outsider (@tokyo_0) May 16, 2016
(RT)
