Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan’s southwestern coast

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck southwestern Japan.

The quake hit Japan’s southwestern coast shortly before 6am local time (8am AEDT), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The USGS report the quake struck approximately 160 kilometres off the coast of Makurazaki.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) have issued a tsunami warning, the BBC reports.

Waves of up to one metre are expected across the western coast of Kagoshima and Satsunan islands.

"Get out of the water and leave the coast immediately," the JMA said.

"As the strong current will continue, do not get in the sea or approach coasts until the advisory is cleared."

No details about injuries or damages are known at this stage.