A tsunami advisory was also issued for parts of Alaska and the entire West Coast after a powerful earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

Tsunami waves arrived on the eastern coast of Japan following a powerful 8.8. magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia that also sparked fears of a tsunami in the U.S.

One of the most powerful earthquakes in modern history shook Russia’s remote east coast Wednesday, sending tsunami waves hurtling across the Pacific Ocean and putting nations from Japan to the United States to Chile on high alert with millions urged to evacuate.

Following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia, a tsunami warning prompted Yuu, a Japanese photographer living near the coast, to evacuate. He quickly packed his cat and bird, heading to a designated evacuation point.

Tsunami alerts were issued across the Pacific after waves followed a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. View on euronews

The Bank of Japan kept policy rate at 0.5% and said it can resume hikes if economy and inflation meet expectations.

The central bank held its overnight call rate target steady at 0.5%, where it has remained since its last hike in January.