A powerful earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, shattering shop windows, forcing residents to evacuate buildings and injuring at least 22 people, according to local media reports.
The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey measured it at 5.5. Several smaller aftershocks followed the initial tremor.
The earthquake was felt across a wide area of central Japan, particularly around Aichi Prefecture. Affected locations included Hamamatsu, the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara, and the neighboring prefectures of Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji, and Gifu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.5.
Japanese television footage showed extensive damage, including shattered storefront windows and broken glass scattered across streets. Inside a bookstore, piles of books covered the floor after being knocked off shelves by the powerful tremors.
Among those injured were people who fell down staircases while attempting to evacuate buildings during the earthquake.
The quake struck at approximately 1:04 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) beneath the Earth’s surface in Shizuoka Prefecture, which borders Aichi Prefecture.
Despite affecting several areas of central Japan, the earthquake was not felt in Tokyo, which lies farther from the affected regions.
According to official seismic assessments, Aichi Prefecture experienced the strongest shaking.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency urged residents to remain vigilant for additional powerful earthquakes over the next week, warning that the risk could be particularly high during the following two to three days.
An employee crouches among books scattered across the floor after a powerful earthquake knocked them off shelves in Japan on November 8, 2026.
Ayataka Ebita, an official with the Japan Meteorological Agency, warned residents to remain cautious about potential secondary hazards, including landslides, falling rocks and risks associated with rainfall.
He also confirmed that authorities had detected no unusual changes along the Nankai Trough, a major seismic zone where scientists have warned that a massive earthquake could occur in the future.
Meanwhile, Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains operated at reduced speeds in earthquake-affected areas as a precaution to ensure passenger safety.
Shattered windows are seen at an imported car dealership following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on November 8, 2026.
Earthquakes can cause damage to railway tracks and infrastructure, prompting train operators to reduce speeds or temporarily suspend services as a safety precaution.
Japan lies in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence across the country.
Authorities regularly encourage residents to prepare for earthquakes by maintaining emergency supplies, including bottled water, nonperishable food and batteries. People are also advised to establish evacuation plans, identify safe places to take cover under sturdy tables and keep comfortable walking shoes readily available in case of an emergency.
