Quake hits off coast of Japan

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's Izu Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, early this morning, according to geologists.

The undersea quake occurred at 6.11am (NZT) at a depth of 58km, with its epicentre some 105km northeast of Hachijo-jima island, the United States Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Japan lies at the junction of four tectonic plates and endures about 20 per cent of the world's most powerful earthquakes.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake in the western city of Kobe in January 1995 killed more than 6400 people.