Central Japan Earthquake Injures More Than 20

A magnitude-5.7 earthquake, measured at magnitude-5.5 by the US Geological Survey, struck central Japan at 1:04am local time on Sunday, injuring at least 22 people and damaging buildings. The quake’s epicentre was about 40 kilometres beneath Shizuoka Prefecture, which neighbours Aichi. It shattered shop windows, scattered glass across streets and sent books flying from bookstore shelves. Some of the injured fell on stairs while trying to escape. Local media reported that the shaking affected a broad area, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara and Gifu, as well as Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is located. Tokyo was far enough away that the earthquake was not felt there. Smaller aftershocks were also reported. Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned residents to be prepared for further strong earthquakes in the coming week, particularly over the next two to three days. Agency official Ayataka Ebita also cautioned people to watch for mudslides, falling rocks and effects from rainfall. He said there was no apparent change detected at the Nankai Trough plate, where scientists say a major earthquake could occur. As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains in affected areas were running at reduced speeds because earthquakes can damage railway tracks. The article notes that Japan is in an earthquake-prone region. Authorities regularly advise residents to keep supplies such as bottled water, food and batteries, make plans for taking shelter under tables, and keep comfortable walking shoes available.

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday, at a depth of about 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. More than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, authorities told the Kyodo news agency. Some people were hurt while trying to flee, including people who fell on stairs, the Associated Press reported. The shaking affected a broad area, including Hamamatsu and locations in Aichi, Yamanashi and Gifu prefectures, as well as the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara. It was not felt in Tokyo, and no tsunami warning was issued. Television footage showed broken shop windows and glass across streets; books had also fallen from the shelves of a bookstore. The meteorological agency urged residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks over the following week, especially during the next two to three days. It also warned of hazards including mudslides and falling rocks, and cautioned people about possible effects from rainfall. Agency official Ayataka Ebita said no apparent change had been detected in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench beneath parts of Japan where two major tectonic plates meet and where scientists say a major earthquake could occur. Some local train services were suspended. The Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains operated at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution, and JR Central said services between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations were delayed while safety checks were carried out.

A strong earthquake struck central Japan at 1:04 a.m. Sunday, injuring at least 22 people, breaking store and car-dealership windows, and sending people fleeing from buildings. Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported magnitude 5.5. Smaller aftershocks followed. The quake’s epicenter was about 25 miles beneath the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture, and the strongest shaking was reported in Aichi Prefecture. The affected area also included Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu. The tremor was not felt in Tokyo, which is farther away. Television footage showed shattered windows and glass scattered on streets. Books were thrown from the shelves of a bookstore, and some of the reported injuries occurred when people fell on stairs while trying to escape. The meteorological agency urged residents to prepare for the possibility of further strong earthquakes over the coming week, particularly within the next two to three days. Agency official Ayataka Ebita also cautioned people to watch for mudslides, falling rocks and hazards associated with rainfall. He said there had been no apparent change so far in the Nankai Trough plate, an area scientists say could be the site of a major earthquake. As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains in affected areas were running at reduced speeds because earthquakes can damage railway infrastructure. The article places the event in the context of Japan’s frequent seismic activity, noting that authorities commonly advise people to keep bottled water, food and batteries on hand, prepare plans for sheltering under tables, and have comfortable walking shoes available.

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, injuring more than 20 people, according to the article. CCTV footage recorded streets and apartments shaking during the quake. The shaking was strong enough to break windows, and train services at Nagoya Station were delayed. The report focuses on the effects captured in surveillance video and the immediate disruption described in the short account. It does not provide details about the exact location or time of the quake, the condition of those injured, the extent of damage, or how long train delays lasted. It also does not mention a tsunami warning, an official response, or any broader assessment of the earthquake’s impact. The item was published by Al Jazeera on 8 November 2026. Its central message is that the earthquake caused injuries and visible disruption in central Japan, with footage offering a view of the shaking in streets and apartment buildings.