Earthquake Hits Japan 2012: Magnitude 5.5 Quake Strikes Off Honshu

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted northern Japan on Friday, November 9, 2012, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported.

Epicenter of the earthquake that hit Japan on Friday

The temblor, which was 20km deep, struck at around 12:52 p.m. local time and centered near the east coast of Honshu.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.

JMA also recorded three aftershocks within the first hour after the quake hit, with strongest measuring 4.2 in magnitude.

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where continental plates collide causing frequent quakes. 

Photo courtesy of  the Japan Meteorological Agency