A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on New Year’s Day, triggering a tsunami alert and causing orders for a mass evacuation.
There are reports of collapsed buildings and blocked roads in Ishikawa prefecture.
Tsunami waves of less than two metres hit the shore a short time later.
Injuries were reported in the city of Suzu and at least two people have been confirmed deceased.
The Japan earthquake left thousands of homes without power and East Japan Railway Company train services were suspended including bullet trains.
All scheduled flight services in and out of the affected area were suspended.
Noto Airport in in Ishikawa prefecture remains closed.
Chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa was affected but with ‘no major results.’
The strong Japan earthquake was followed by several powerful aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey.
