Japan earthquake: 5.7-magnitude tremor hits central region, at least 22 injured

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring at least 22 people, damaging shops and prompting an emergency response, while authorities ruled out a tsunami threat.

November 08, 2026 / 06:45 IST

5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes central Japan, triggers emergency response

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, leaving at least 22 people injured and damaging buildings, according to local media reports. The tremor prompted the Japanese government to establish an emergency response office to coordinate relief efforts and assess the situation.

The earthquake struck at 1:04 am local time, with its epicentre in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of around 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

While the JMA recorded the earthquake at magnitude 5.7, the US Geological Survey (USGS) put its magnitude at 5.5. The agency said there was no tsunami threat following the tremor.

The strongest shaking was recorded in Chita in Aichi Prefecture, where the earthquake registered an intensity of upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. Lower 5 intensity was reported in parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

The tremors were felt across a wide area of central Japan, including Hamamatsu and neighbouring regions. Smaller aftershocks were also reported following the main earthquake, with authorities continuing to monitor seismic activity.

Japanese television footage showed shattered shop windows and broken glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was also left in disarray, with piles of books falling from shelves during the tremor.

At least 22 people were injured, with some reportedly falling down stairs while attempting to evacuate buildings.

As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains were operating at reduced speeds in the affected areas amid concerns that seismic activity could damage railway infrastructure.

Japan is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and other seismic activity.