
The underwater quake, measuring 43.4km in depth, hit at 6.08am near Bonin Islands, locally known as Ogasawara Islands, the US Geological Survey said.
The islands are some 1,000km south of the main urban area of Tokyo, which administers them.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said its equipment indicated that the quake’s strength was at 6.3 magnitude.
The agency said there were no concerns a tsunami could have been triggered by the quake.
A local official told national broadcaster NHK that there had been no immediate reports of damage or serious injuries, and power and water services remained uninterrupted. But municipal staff are still surveying the area.
Some local residents reported that dishes and glasses fell from shelves or tables in their homes, according to NHK.