A strong quake measured at 6.4 magnitude hit Kyushu area in southwestern Japan at around 9:26 p.m. local time on Thursday.
The quake was registered at level 7 at Japan's seismic intensity of 7 in parts of Kumamoto Prefecture and no tsunami warnings were issued, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Local reports said that strong tremor lasted about 30 seconds and Shinkansen bullet train services were suspended by the strong quake.
The epicenter was detected at 32.7 degree north latitude and 130.8 degree longitude with a depth of 10 km.
Some concrete pieces fell down from buildings and many people came out from buildings standing on the street in Kumamoto city, according to Japan's broadcaster NHK TV footage.