Tsunami alert issued after 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Japan

The quake was felt in Tokyo (John Walton/PA)

Authorities in Japan have issued a tsunami warning for Miyagi prefecture in the country’s northeast after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast.

The US Consulate in Sapporo has told people in the area to "seek higher ground."

A strong earthquake was felt in Japan’s capital at around 6.10pm local time (9.10am GMT).

The area was heavily damaged during the huge earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Officials said there were no immediate reports of damage.