An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck Japan's northernmost Hokkaido prefecture at 2:25 am (local time) on Sunday.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake was centred in the Tokachi-chiho Nambu region in Japan's northernmost prefecture, with a depth of 110 km.
There have been no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, and no tsunami warning or advisory issued.