Small tsunami hits north Japan

Tokyo: A small tsunami hit northern Japan, estimated at 16 inches tall, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.

The wave hit Nemuro port in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido at 1329 hrs GMT and was smaller than the six and a half feet tall or higher initially expected by the agency.

Live water footage from northern Japan showed calm seas and lighted windows. Residents said they barely felt the quake.

The agency, however, warned larger waves could follow.