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TOKYO (AP) The Meteorological Agency says an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 jolted the coast of northern Japan.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The agency said the quake hit Thursday morning off the coast of Miyagi, about 180 miles north of Tokyo. It said there was no danger of a tsunami from the quake.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-03-08 1802CST | save this article / add to your favorites list