Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Shakes Central Japan, Injuring at Least 22
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan at 1:04 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, shattering store windows and injuring at least 22 people. Officials warned of possible strong aftershocks over the next two to three days and of mudslides and falling rocks.
A strong earthquake shook central Japan at 1:04 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, shattering store windows, sending people fleeing buildings and injuring at least 22, according to local media.
Japan's Meteorological Agency put the magnitude at 5.7. The US Geological Survey reported 5.5. Smaller aftershocks followed.
The quake struck about 40 kilometers below the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Shaking was strongest in neighboring Aichi Prefecture, according to official seismic assessments.
A wide area was affected. It included the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the nearby prefectures of Gifu and Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji. Tokyo is far enough away that the quake was not felt there.
Japanese television footage showed shattered store windows and shards of glass scattered across streets. One bookstore was left with mounds of books that had flown off the shelves.
Some of the injured fell down stairs while trying to escape.
Warning for the coming week
The meteorological agency told people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially over the next two to three days.
"Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall," agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters.
Ebita said no apparent change had been detected so far in the Nankai Trough plate. Scientists say a megaquake could possibly hit there.
Rail and preparedness
Shinkansen bullet trains ran at slower speeds in the affected areas as a precaution. Quakes can sometimes damage the railways the trains run on.
Japan sits in an area prone to earthquakes. Authorities frequently tell residents to stock up on bottled water, food and batteries, to have plans ready to hide under tables and to keep comfortable walking shoes at hand.
