Weather agency ends 1-week advisory after M7.7 quake in northeastern Japan

TOKYO - The weather agency on Monday ended a weeklong advisory for an increased risk of a strong earthquake after a magnitude 7.7 temblor struck off the Pacific coast in northeastern Japan, although it called for continued daily preparation against disasters.

Early in the morning, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 jolted Hokkaido in northern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency said it believes the two quakes were not directly related and that it would not issue a new advisory.