Japan has issued tsunami warning after a massive 8.8 magnitude offshore quake on Friday, with reports of 'numerous' injuries and ships being washed ashore by waves, AP reported

Japan's meteorological agency warns that a tsunami as high as 20 feet could strike the coast near Miyagi prefecture, closest to the epicenter.

Japan's NHK says a small tsunami hit the shore near the epicenter around 3 pm local time.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas.

The quake struck about 382 kilometres (237 miles) northeast of Tokyo, the US Geological Survey said.

Smoke could be seen rising from a building in Tokyo port, the report added.

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