A strong earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Sunday evening, prompting tsunami advisories along the affected areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 and occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, or about 12 miles, off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. local time.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and both nuclear power plants in the vicinity showed no abnormalities. Initially, the agency warned that tsunami waves could reach heights of up to 1 meter, or 3 feet, along the northern coast. However, they later revised their estimates, indicating that the waves would likely be much smaller, with forecasts suggesting heights of only 0.2 meters, or about 8 inches.

Tsunami waves were recorded at various locations, including Ofunato City, where a wave of about 10 centimeters, or 4 inches, was detected. In the coastal area of Kuji, waves reached up to 20 centimeters, or about 8 inches. Tsunami waves can persist for several hours after an earthquake, and authorities advised residents to stay away from coastal areas during the advisory.

The tsunami advisory was lifted approximately three hours after the earthquake, but the meteorological agency cautioned that the region could experience strong aftershocks for the next week, particularly in the following two to three days. Additional tremors were reported in Iwate Prefecture, and the northern island of Hokkaido also felt the effects of the seismic activity.

Northeastern Japan is known for its susceptibility to earthquakes. The region was the site of a devastating triple disaster in March 2011, which included a massive earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. This disaster resulted in nearly 20,000 fatalities, primarily due to the tsunami, and left many residents displaced from the no-go zone surrounding the plant. Protests continue to be held, with demonstrators expressing concerns about the risks associated with nuclear power.

An official from the meteorological agency stated that there was no evidence linking the recent earthquake to the 2011 disaster, although the area remains at risk for significant seismic events. Bullet train services in the region were temporarily delayed due to the quake. Japan, located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.