Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes northeastern Japan, five injured

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan, injuring at least five people in Iwate and Aomori prefectures, Kyodo news agency reported. Officials said the injuries were minor, caused by falls during the tremor. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake was recorded at a depth of 50 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean off Iwate, and revised its initial magnitude estimate of 6.9 upward to 7.2. A tsunami advisory was issued after the earthquake but was lifted shortly afterward. Authorities warned that strong aftershocks could occur during the coming week. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's office set up a special emergency response center to gather information on the situation. No abnormalities were reported at nuclear facilities, including the Fukushima-1 plant. Shinkansen bullet train services were temporarily suspended on certain routes in the country's northeast following the earthquake.