The quake comes at a sensitive time for Japan's nuclear industry, which has faced fierce opposition from some locals since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito in his New Year address expresses hope that people will continue to support each other with compassion in the coming year, while noting how the world has been grappling with ongoing conflicts and natural disasters.
'Tis the season for making "korogaki" dried persimmons in Kyoto's Ujitawara, with the fruit laid out on racks under the sun and in a cold wind at a "kakiya" persimmon shop built of logs and straw.
Japan's central and local governments, alongside many businesses, marked the year's first day of work on Jan. 4 as the country refrained from implementing travel restrictions despite a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Travelers on New Year's holidays flooded planes and trains on Thursday even though the coronavirus pandemic continues, with the exodus peaking in many modes of public transportation in the country.