Chattanoogan James Hughes and his girlfriend Akiko Nakaseko in Japan.

Chattanoogan James Hughes abruptly halted his adult English class earlier today when minor tremors shook his fourth-floor classroom in the Chiba prefecture in Japan's greater Tokyo area.

"I made a joke then suddenly my managers told me to run to the nearest hallway," the 28-year-old he wrote via Facebook. "I felt like I was on ninety roller coasters at once. It lasted about four minutes and then we went outside."

Hughes, a graduate of Soddy-Daisy High School, has been working as an English teacher in Japan for about seven months.

After the massive earthquake, Hughes said he went to a nearby restaurant and began contacting family at home here.

He said he can't find a hotel or taxi and trains are out.

"Looking for options to get to apartment now, but by the grace of Jesus I'm fine," he wrote.

Hughes' parents are Ernestine and Jerry Perkey of Soddy-Daisy.

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