Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, injuring 22

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A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture at 1:04 a.m. local time on November 8, 2026, with its focus at a depth of about 41 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The strongest shaking, upper 5 on Japan's scale, was recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture, the first such intensity in Aichi since 1997. Intensity lower 5 was felt in parts of Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Nagano.

The agency confirmed no tsunami risk. Officials reported at least 22 people injured, mostly lightly, across Aichi and Shizuoka, including falls and head injuries; no deaths were reported. Train services including the Tokaido Shinkansen faced temporary delays, and windows shattered in some buildings.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the details in its press release, stating the quake occurred inside the Philippine Sea plate and advising residents in strongly shaken areas to watch for aftershocks of similar strength over the next week, particularly in the coming days. Local media including Kyodo and NHK corroborated the injury totals and lack of tsunami.

The event highlights ongoing seismic risks near the Nankai Trough region, though the agency assessed a low likelihood of direct linkage to a larger trough quake. No abnormalities were reported at the nearby Hamaoka nuclear plant. Next updates on aftershocks will come from JMA monitoring over the following days.