A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan at 4:27 PM on April 28th. The towns of Uki City and Hikawacho in Kumamoto Prefecture experienced a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale. Several other areas within Kumamoto Prefecture registered a 6 strong, including Minami-ku in Kumamoto City, Yatsushiro City, and Uto City. Weaker shaking, registering as 6 weak, was felt in other municipalities. The Japan Meteorological Agency reports the quake originated 10 kilometers beneath the surface, and a tsunami warning has been issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas. Residents in coastal areas are urged to exercise caution and follow evacuation instructions.