A strong earthquake struck southwestern Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey said, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency withdrew a tsunami advisory after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southwest Japan.

TOKYO -- A tsunami advisory was issued for part of southwest Japan after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Monday, but the warnings to stay away from coastal areas were later lifted. A few instances of minor damage were reported. Japan’s Meteorological Agency initially estimated the magnitude was 6.9 but later revised it to 6.6.

A record number of visitors came to Japan in 2024, thanks to surging post-pandemic global tourism and a decline in the yen that’s making the island nation an attractive and affordable destination.

Japan saw 3.49 million visitors in December, an all-time high for any month, official data showed on Wednesday, capping off a record year for tourism fuelled by the weak yen. December arrivals of foreign visitors for business and leisure rose from 3.

Japan and the Philippines plan to convey to President-elect Donald Trump the urgent need for the U.S. to remain committed to upholding the rule of law in an Asian region where China’s actions are caus

The foreign ministers of the Philippines and Japan expressed concern about the security situation in the East and South China Seas on Wednesday and discussed their work together amid an evolving geopolitical landscape,