TOKYO - A MODERATE 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of central Japan on Sunday but there was no risk of a tsunami, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, and no immediate reports of damage.

The tremor struck at 7.25pm (6.25pm Singapore time), with the epicentre in the Pacific Ocean off Ibaraki prefecture, some 150 kilometres (93 miles) from Tokyo, the agency said.

It was about 40 kilometres below sea level, according to the agency.

Around 20 per cent of the world's most powerful earthquakes strike Japan. -- AFP