Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, at least 24 injured; no tsunami threat

A strong earthquake struck central Japan at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 8, the Japan Meteorological Agency recording a magnitude of 5.7, with the epicentre in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometres. Japanese media reported at least 24 people injured, shop windows shattered and people fleeing buildings; the agency said there was no tsunami threat, and the government set up an emergency liaison office to coordinate the response. (Photo: the Mount Fuji area in Shizuoka Prefecture, file photo. Photo: Pexels.)

Upper 5 intensity in Aichi, first in nearly 29 years

The agency said an intensity of upper 5 on the Japanese scale of zero to seven was recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture — the first time tremors of that strength have been observed in Aichi since March 1997. Lower 5 intensity was recorded in parts of Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Nagano prefectures. The United States Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.5. The tremor was felt across a wide area, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi — home to Mount Fuji — and Gifu; it was not felt in Tokyo.

At least 24 injured, mostly from falls or while fleeing

Kyodo News and other Japanese media reported more than 20 people injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, many from falls or while fleeing, and no widespread structural collapses have been reported so far. The quake was followed by several smaller aftershocks. The Meteorological Agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially in the next two to three days.

Second quake in three days; link to Nankai Trough megaquake seen as low

The quake was the second strong tremor in Japan in three days, after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the Tokyo coast two days earlier. The weather agency said the possibility that Sunday's quake was linked to a possible Nankai Trough megaquake was 'low.' Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed there was no tsunami risk, and the government has set up an emergency liaison office to assess conditions in the affected areas.

November 8 morning update: injuries rise to at least 24

The Chunichi Shimbun and Tokai Television reported at least 24 people injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures; TV Asahi said at least 24 were injured in Aichi alone. Aichi fire authorities said they received 16 injury reports, mostly minor; in Shizuoka, a woman in her 90s was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury after falling from her bed. No abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant, and some Tokaido Shinkansen services were delayed. The Associated Press had earlier reported at least 22 injured, citing local media.

(Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency; Kyodo News; Associated Press; United States Geological Survey; NHK, November 8, 2026.)