Japan quake casualties ‘numerous’, damage ‘extensive’ — Kishida

A major quake that hit central Japan on New Year's Day has caused "extensive" damage with numerous casualties, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday.

"Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses, and fires," he told reporters, describing a "race against time" to rescue victims.

Japan has been hit since Monday by 155 earthquakes including a 7.6-magnitude jolt and another over 6.0 magnitude, the Japan Meteorological Office said.

Most of the quakes had a magnitude greater than 3.0 and while the strength has gradually moderated, six strong jolts were still felt early Tuesday, the JMA added.