Moderate quake shakes northern Japan

TOKYO - An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale shook northern Japan on Friday but there was no fear of tsunami tidal waves, the meteorological agency said.
The quake occurred at 9:38 am (0038 GMT) with its epicenter located off the northwest coast of Hokkaido, northernmost Japan, the agency said, adding the focus was shallow.
Local police said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

03/18/2005 01:21 GMT