ISTANBUL: Japan was hit by a strong earthquake on Thursday, triggering a tsunami alert.According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted southwestern Miyazaki province.The earthquake was reported at around 0742GMT.Earlier, the USGS had said the magnitude was 6.9 but later revised it to 7.1.Local authorities have issued a tsunami advisory for Kochi, Miyazaki, Ehime, Oita, and Kagoshima provinces.Source : Philippines News agency