Tokyo: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday (April 20), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, warning of possible tsunami waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet).

The earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean off northern Iwate Prefecture. Reports said the tremors were strong enough to shake large buildings even in Tokyo, located hundreds of kilometres away.

Following the quake, the meteorological agency warned that tsunami waves could reach the northern coast soon. "People living in coastal and riverbank areas should immediately move to higher ground or a safe place," the agency said, cautioning about possible damage from tsunami waves.

No details about damage caused by the earthquake have been released so far.

The Prime Minister's Office said safety teams have been deployed to prevent possible risks from the tsunami.

Japan is one of the countries most prone to earthquakes in the world. With a population of about 120 million, the country experiences more than 1,000 earthquakes every year, according to reports.