A strong earthquake has hit near southern Japan, shaking buildings, but there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. No tsunami is expected.
The US Geological Survey said the quake struck Tuesday evening and had a preliminary magnitude of 6.3. It said it was centred 16 kilometers (10 miles) off the city of Nishinoomote on the island of Tanegashima in Kagoshima prefecture at a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles).
Japan's meteorological agency said the quake caused moderately strong shaking in nearby areas.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone and tsunami-prone areas in the world.