Where and when did the central Japan earthquake strike, and how strong was it?

The quake struck at 1:04 a.m. and was located in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 40 kilometers below the earth’s surface. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported magnitude 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported magnitude 5.5.

What did Japan’s Meteorological Agency warn residents about after the earthquake?

The agency urged people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, particularly over the next two to three days. It also warned of mudslides, falling rocks and possible effects from rainfall.

How did the earthquake affect Shinkansen services and nearby communities?

Shinkansen bullet trains ran at slower speeds in affected areas as a precaution because earthquakes can damage railway lines. The quake affected a wide area near Aichi, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu, but was not felt in Tokyo.

Strong earthquake shakes central Japan, shattering store windows and injuring at least 22

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Summary

A magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck central Japan at 1:04 a.m. Sunday, injuring at least 22 people and damaging stores. The quake was centered in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 40 kilometers below the surface, and the strongest shaking was felt in Aichi. Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned of possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially over the next two to three days. Shinkansen bullet trains slowed in affected areas as a precaution.

Key Facts

The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported magnitude 5.5.
The affected area included Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu, while the quake was not felt in Tokyo.
Some injured people fell on stairs while trying to flee, and a bookstore’s shelves spilled books onto the floor.
Agency official Ayataka Ebita said no apparent change had been detected so far to the Nankai Trough plate.
The agency warned people to watch for mudslides, falling rocks and possible effects from rainfall.

By AP

Published Nov 8, 2026 8:35 am KST
Updated Nov 8, 2026 4:27 pm KST

Broken windows are seen at an imported car dealership after an earthquake in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Nov. 8. AFP-Yonhap

TOKYO — A strong earthquake shook central Japan early Sunday, shattering store windows, causing people to flee buildings and leaving at least 22 people injured, according to local media.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency put the quake’s magnitude at 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it at magnitude 5.5. Smaller aftershocks were reported.

A wide area near Aichi Prefecture was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara and nearby prefectures of Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, as well as Gifu.

Japanese TV footage showed shattered store windows and scattered shards of glass on the streets. A bookstore was left with mounds of books that had flown off the shelves. The injuries included people who fell from stairs while they were trying to flee.

The quake, which struck at 1:04 a.m., was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) below the earth's surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Aichi and Shizuoka are neighboring regions. They are far enough from Tokyo that the quake was not felt there. The most violent shaking was felt in Aichi, according to official seismic assessments.

The meteorological agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.

“Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall,” Ayataka Ebita, an agency official, told reporters.

He said no apparent change was detected so far to the Nankai Trough plate, where scientists say a megaquake can possibly hit.

The Shinkansen bullet trains were running at slower speeds in the affected areas as a precautionary measure. Sometimes quakes can damage the railways the trains run on.

Japan is located in an area that is prone to earthquakes. Authorities frequently instruct people to stock up on bottled water, food and batteries, have plans ready to hide under tables and keep comfortable walking shoes at hand.

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