A massive earthquake has hit the northeast of Japan triggering a tsunami that has caused extensive damage.
Japanese television showed cars, ships and even buildings being swept away by a vast wall of water after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
Officials said there could be a 10m (33ft) wave, with numerous casualties feared.
The quake struck about 250 miles (400km) from Tokyo at a depth of 20 miles, shaking the capital.
The tremor at 1446 local time (0546 GMT) was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks.
Seismologists say it is one of the largest earthquakes to hit Japan for many years.
The tsunami warning was extended to the Philippines, Indonesia and the Pacific coast of Russia.
Tsunami waves hit Japan’s Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, officials said.
Japan’s NHK television showed a massive surge of water sweeping away buildings, cars and ships.
The earthquake also triggered a number of fires.
There were also reports of injuries in Tokyo.