Powerful quake rocks western Japan

TOKYO, Japan -- An earthquake measuring 6.4 shook western Japan on Saturday.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The tremor struck Hiroshima, about 690 km (430 miles) southwest of Tokyo, at about 3.28 p.m. (0628 GMT), the Meteorological Agency said.

The quake was a "lower 6" on the Japanese scale of one to seven. In such a quake it can be difficult to stand and can damage non-earthquake protected buildings.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK showed buildings in Hiroshima city swaying violently and reported that people had trouble standing.

Television footage taken from inside NHK's Hiroshima office showed hanging lights shaking and employees leaving their desks to head for the exits. Telephone service in the area was also interrupted.

Bullet train and local train and subway service was delayed due to the quake, NHK said.

The agency said there was no concern of "tsunami" or tidal waves being triggered by the earthquake.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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