The quake, which occurred at 6.17 pm (5.17 pm Singapore time), registered 3 on Japan's 'seismic intensity scale' of 1 to 7 in Fukushima prefecture northeast of Tokyo, meaning it could probably be felt by people in buildings and might rattle dishes in a cupboard.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas. The country accounts for about 20 percent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater. -- REUTERS