Strong earthquake hits near southern Japan

A strong earthquake has hit near southern Japan, shaking buildings, but there are no reports of injuries or damage. No tsunami was expected.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck on Tuesday evening and had a preliminary magnitude of 6.3. It was centred 16 kilometres off the city of Nishinoomote on the island of Tanegashima in Kagoshima prefecture at a depth of 35km, it said.

Japan's meteorological agency said the quake caused moderately strong shaking in nearby areas.