Japan is under a "Tsunami Watch" following a strong earthquake. Buildings in Tokyo swayed this morning for several minutes. The Japan Meteorological Agency reports the quake in the northeast region of the country reached a magnitude 7.3 on the Richter scale. This could cause tsunami waves of at least 6-feet. [update] Ishinomaki, a city near the epicenter, reported a tsunami of about 3-feet.

Japanese TV broadcast an early quake warning just seconds before it struck. The country has invested in an early-warning system for earthquakes (not unlike what the United States has in place for tornadoes and thunderstorms). After the quake, Japanese TV anchors urged residents along their east coast to seek higher ground—immediately.

[update] The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no risk of a widespread tsunami. Hawaii and the west coast of the United States should not fear a tsunami this time around.