Tsunami waves crashed into Japan's northeast coast after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rattled the island nation, officials say.
One-meter-high waves were reported near the Fukushima nuclear power plant, whose destruction in a 2011 tsunami caused the world's worst nuclear accident.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake was felt as far south as Tokyo.
At least three people were seriously injured with broken bones.
Public broadcaster NHK urged residents in the region to "flee immediately" to high ground, reminding listeners of the "Great East Japan Earthquake."
Long lines of cars were reported fleeing the area.
The goverment lifted its tsumani warnings about four hours after the quake hit.
The March 2011 off-shore temblor sent a tsunami barrelling into the coast, leaving more than 18,500 people dead or missing, and sending Fukushima's three reactors into meltdown.
The United States Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.9 magnitude, at a shallow depth of 11.3 kilometres. It struck shortly before dawn on November 22.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP and AFP