Strong Earthquake Hits Central Japan, Injures 22 And Damages Buildings

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, November 8, injuring at least 22 people, damaging buildings, shattering shop windows and disrupting railway services across several prefectures. One person was seriously injured, while authorities warned residents to remain alert for further powerful tremors.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck at 1:04 am local time, with its epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 41 kilometres. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the magnitude at 5.5.

The strongest shaking, measuring upper 5 on Japan's seven-level seismic intensity scale, was recorded in Chita city in Aichi Prefecture. Lower 5 intensity was reported in several other locations across Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Nagano.

The tremors were felt across a wide area, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara and Yamanashi, which is home to Mount Fuji. The earthquake was not felt in Tokyo.

Japanese television footage showed shattered storefront windows, broken glass scattered across streets and merchandise thrown from shelves. A bookstore in Toyota city was left in disarray after large numbers of books fell to the floor. Eight buildings, including residential properties and public facilities, also sustained damage in Aichi Prefecture.

Several people were injured while attempting to escape buildings. Reports included a woman in her 50s who fractured her ankle while evacuating in Hekinan and a woman in her 90s who injured her shoulder after falling from her bed in Shizuoka.

No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.

The tremors temporarily disrupted railway operations, including services on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line. Some services were suspended or operated at reduced speeds as authorities checked railway infrastructure. Services have since resumed.

The JMA warned residents to prepare for potentially strong aftershocks for approximately one week, particularly over the next two to three days. Officials also cautioned about landslides and falling rocks, especially if rainfall occurs.

The earthquake occurred within the assumed source region of the Nankai Trough, where scientists have warned of a possible megaquake. However, the agency said the tremor did not indicate any significant change in the conditions along the plate boundary.