A magnitude 5.7 earthquake centred in western Shizuoka Prefecture shook central Japan at 1:04am local time on Sunday, November 8, 2026, injuring more than 20 people and shattering store windows, according to local media and authorities. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake struck at a depth of about 40km.
More than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, the Kyodo news agency reported, citing authorities. Al Jazeera reported the same figure. The Hindu, citing local media, reported at least 22 injuries.
Japanese TV footage showed shattered store windows and glass scattered across streets. A bookstore had books fallen from its shelves. According to the Associated Press, some injured people fell on stairs while trying to flee.
Kyodo reported that no tsunami warning was issued. Some local train services were suspended, and Shinkansen bullet trains ran at slower speeds in affected areas as a precaution. JR Central said Tokaido Shinkansen trains were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima after safety checks.
The quake was not felt in Tokyo, which is far from the epicentre. The Hindu reported that the most violent shaking was in Aichi, according to official seismic assessments.
The magnitude is disputed. The Japan Meteorological Agency put it at 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported magnitude 5.5, according to The Hindu. Al Jazeera reported the 5.7 figure without mentioning the USGS estimate.
Japan is prone to earthquakes, and authorities often advise people to stock up on water, food and batteries and to plan to hide under tables. Separately, scientists say a megaquake could occur in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench where two major tectonic plates meet under parts of Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially in the next two to three days. It also urged residents to watch for mudslides, falling rocks and rainfall effects.
Several gaps remain. The sources do not report any fatalities or the severity of injuries, and no official damage assessment or count of affected buildings has been published. The Japan Times source was available only as a headline and short excerpt, so its details are limited. The 22-injury figure has not been confirmed by a second independent source. The reports also do not say whether the Nankai Trough shows any change beyond "no apparent change so far," and they include no statements from Japanese authorities beyond the warnings and comments quoted.
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This article was written with AI assistance from the published reporting listed above. It is part of the World Brief daily news podcast.