Posted at 17:0917:09
Footage from Japanese public broadcaster NHK shows the moment a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the coastline in Ishikawa prefecture in the central region of the country.
Tsunami warnings have been issued in several areas.
Video content
Video caption: Moment quake hits Japan coastal town Moment quake hits Japan coastal town
Posted at 17:0617:06
Bullet trains have been suspended between Tokyo and the earthquake epicentre in the Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Railways said.
Posted at 17:0317:03
Here is a look at the tsunami warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the central region a little earlier.
The red X on the map issued by the agency shows the epicentre near Suzu City.
A purple line marks the area issued with a "major tsunami warning", meaning there is a possibility of waves of more than 3m (10ft). Red indicates waves of up to 3m, while yellow indicates waves of 1m (3ft) or less. The blues area indicates slight sea level changes.
The map can be viewed here .
Japan Meteorological Agency Copyright: Japan Meteorological Agency
Posted at 16:5916:59
Officials in Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture say several houses and power poles have collapsed there following the earthquake, according to national broadcaster NHK. We'll bring you more information as we get it.
Posted at 16:4916:49
The first tsunami waves, some more than a metre high, have arrived on the northern coast of central Japan, according to reports.
Waves as high as 1.2m (4ft) hit Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture at 16:21 local time (07:21 GMT), national broadcaster NHK said.
The city of Toyama, Toyama prefecture, also reported tsunami waves of 0.8m.
People in those areas have been told to evacuate.
Posted at 16:4116:41
It is a rapidly developing situation in Japan, and the extent of damage is not yet clear.
This map from the United States Geological Survey shows the parts of the Noto province, in central Japan, which have so far been affected. It shows the epicentre near Suzu city and suggests very strong shaking was felt there, with moderate damage.
EPA Copyright: EPA
Posted at 16:3716:37
Jasmine Taylor-Coleman
Live reporter
A major tsunami warning has been issued in Japan after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region.
People in coastal areas - particularly in the Noto province - are being urged to flee to higher ground.
Authorities have warned waves could reach as high as 5m in Noto.
They have also issued tsunami warnings for neighbouring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, warning that waves there could reach 3m.
We’ll be bringing you the latest developments here, so stay with us.