Magnitude 5.3 quake hits Japan, no tsunami

Amagnitude 5.3 earthquake has hit northern Japan but there's no risk of a tsunami, the Japan Meteorological Agency says.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3 has hit northern Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency says.

The epicentre of the 10.26pm earthquake was in Akita Prefecture.

"This earthquake poses no tsunami risk," the agency said on its website.

There were no immediate reports of damage, said public broadcaster NHK.