Strong offshore earthquake hits southwestern Japan without immediate reports of damage

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan's southwestern islands on Friday, with shaking felt in areas near Okinawa. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), there were no immediate reports of injuries, significant damage, or other major impacts.

The earthquake occurred at 1:04 p.m. local time (0404 GMT). Its epicenter was located about 136 kilometers (85 miles) north-northeast of Hirara at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Officials continue to monitor the situation for possible aftershocks and will update impact assessments if new information becomes available.

Early assessments showed that the quake originated in a remote offshore area near Okinawa Prefecture, reducing the likelihood of widespread destruction. Authorities had not reported any casualties or damage to buildings and infrastructure in the immediate aftermath. Initial monitoring also found no signs of a tsunami threat following the earthquake.

Japan frequently experiences earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where several tectonic plates meet. The country records thousands of earthquakes each year, though the vast majority are minor and cause little or no damage.