Tsunami warning as magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocks Japan - with huge wave seen

A large earthquake has struck off the coast of Japan, with a tsunami warning issued for the Izu Islands, south of Tokyo, and the Ogasawara island chain after the 5.9 magnitude quake

A tsunami warning has been issued following a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan, sparking fear among residents.

Local news outlet NTV News reported that a 20cm high tsunami wave was observed at Kozushima Port. Meanwhile, a 50cm tsunami was seen in Hachijo-jima, Hachijo Town, Tokyo.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory this morning for remote islands south of Tokyo, following an earthquake potentially triggered by volcanic activity. In response to the warning, Japanese shipping company Tokai Kisen cancelled its morning ferry services between Tokyo and Oshima, and between Atami and Oshima in the Izu Islands.

The agency reported that the 5.9 magnitude quake hit off the Izu Islands and warned of potential tsunami waves up to one metre above tide levels on the coasts of the Izu and Ogasawara island chains. However, the US Geological Survey measured the quake's strength slightly lower, at 5.6 magnitude.

Despite predicting small swelling of waves along the southeastern Pacific coasts, the agency assured there is no danger from it. A tsunami of about 50 centimetres (about 20 inches) was detected in the Yaene district on Hachijo Island approximately 30 minutes after the quake, according to the JMA, reports the Mirror.

The agency also reported smaller tsunamis on three other islands - Kozushima, Miyakejima and Izu Oshima.

An offshore earthquake, approximately 180 kilometres south of Hachijo island and around 300 kilometers from Tokyo, triggered a tsunami advisory but no significant damage or injuries have been reported. Despite the advisory, residents on Hachijo island reported not feeling the quake, with Japan's NHK public television confirming this sentiment.

Television footage depicted minor waves hitting a wharf on Hachijo island without any substantial increase in water levels.

Ryuji Minemoto, a local of Hachijo, shared with NHK that from his vantage point above the sea, he observed no noticeable changes in the ocean. "I can see some ships but they don't seem to be moving violently," he commented, also mentioning that he hadn't felt the earlier quake.

Fumihiko Imamura, a seismologist at Tohoku University, suggested that the day's tsunami might be linked to submarine volcanic activity. He warned that larger tsunamis could follow and advised coastal residents to remain vigilant while the advisory is active.

Imamura explained to NHK that the seismic event likely caused a rise or fall in sections of the seabed, which unlike typical earthquakes, may not result in shaking.

Around 21,500 residents inhabit the Izu island group with a further 2,500 occupying the Ogasawara Islands. Situated on the volatile Pacific "Ring of Fire," a hotspot for earthquakes and tsunamis, Japan is among the nations most susceptible to such natural disasters.

According to updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency, minor sea level changes may occur along the coast stretching from Chiba to the Daito Islands region in Okinawa.

In breaking news, officials have just rescinded the tsunami warning previously issued for the Izu and Ogasawara islands.

Early this Tuesday morning, small tsunami waves reached the shores of Japan's remote islands. Following an earthquake, authorities called off the tsunami advisory approximately three hours later.

No casualties or damages have been recorded as per the latest reports.