Photo/Illutration Seismic intensities of each area on the Japanese scale of 7 following an earthquake on Dec. 12. (Data from the Japan Meteorological Agency)

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake, one of a spate that have rattled many parts of Japan in recent days, jolted broad areas of the Kanto region, including Tokyo, on Dec. 12.

It registered 4 on the Japanese intensity scale of 7 in cites in nearby Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama prefectures.

The quake, centered in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, struck about 30 minutes after midday.

Its focal depth was about 50 kilometers below the surface, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage although railway operators suspended some of their services from 1 p.m. as a precaution.

The cities that reported a seismic intensity of 4 included Kasama and Yuki in Ibaraki Prefecture; Ashikaga, Tochigi, Sano and Kanuma in Tochigi Prefecture; Kiryu, Ota, Tatebayashi in Gunma Prefecture; and Kazo, Kuki and Kasukabe in Saitama Prefecture.

East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) said on its website that train runs between Tokyo and Utsunomiya stations on the Utsunomiya Line were suspended.

There were also delays on the Yokosuka Line and other lines, JR East said.

Tobu Railway Co. said trains are arriving late on the Nikko Line and Skytree Line.

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