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(Image: US GEOLOGY SERVICE)

The US Geology Service confirmed the quake occurred near the east coast of Honshu.

It is not known if it has caused any damage.

The earthquake happened at 6.42am local time, 9.42pm GMT.

The epicentre was a depth of 28 miles, according to geology data.

A tsunami warning has so far not been issued.

(Image: USGS)

Tokyo Electric Power is checking if there has been any impact to the Fukushima plant from the quake.

The Fukushima complex was badly damaged by the 9.1-magnitude earthquake in March 2011.

The offshore earthquake caused a devastating tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

The Japan Meteorological Agency has not issued a tsunami warning but confirmed advisories are in effect.

Around 23,000 people took part in an earthquake drill at the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant in Ehime Prefecture, NHK reported.

A deadly earthquake hit the Kumamoto area of Japan in April.