In pictures: Japan earthquake drill

More than 800,000 people have taken part in an annual earthquake drill in Japan, one or the world's most earthquake-prone nations.

In the capital, Tokyo, soldiers, firefighters and police were involved in an exercise based on the scenario of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurring.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a mock press conference to announce the earthquake, followed by a conference call with the Tokyo governor and the Bank of Japan head.

US military personnel and a South Korean team joined Japanese rescue workers for the first time in the simulation.

Firemen practised rescuing people trapped in buildings, while other workers abseiled down skyscrapers and a helicopter plucked mock survivors from a river.

Schools were also involved, with primary school students practising taking shelter under their desks.

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