How Did a Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Injure 22 People in Central Japan?
Quick answer: A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday 8 November 2026, injuring at least 22 people. The epicentre was in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, and the strongest shaking — upper 5 on Japan's seven-point scale — was recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. There was no tsunami threat, and no deaths were reported.
Key facts
- What: Magnitude 5.7 earthquake
- Where: Western Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan; shaking also felt in Aichi, Gifu, Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures
- When: Shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday 8 November 2026
- Toll: At least 22 people injured, no deaths reported
- Depth: 41 kilometres
- Tsunami: No threat
- Source: NHK WORLD-JAPAN, 8 November 2026, reporting the Japan Meteorological Agency
What happened
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck central Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday 8 November 2026. There was no threat of a tsunami.
The Japan Meteorological Agency estimated that the epicentre was in the western part of Shizuoka, and that the focus was at a depth of 41 kilometres.
The shaking
The agency said an intensity of upper 5 on the Japanese scale of zero to seven was recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. Aichi borders Shizuoka, and it was the first time since March 1997 that shaking of that strength had been observed in Aichi.
The quake also registered an intensity of lower 5 in the prefectures of Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Nagano.
Injuries and damage
Fire departments across Aichi Prefecture reported at least 16 people injured in the prefecture. In Toyota City, where an intensity of lower 5 was recorded, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s fell and hit their heads because of the earthquake. They were taken to hospital with head injuries, and both were conscious.
Fire and police departments in Shizuoka Prefecture reported at least four reports of injuries and other incidents.
Authorities said the water supply was cut off in parts of Aichi, and that they had received reports of water gushing out of manholes.
What the weather agency said
The Japan Meteorological Agency held a news conference after the earthquake. Ebita Ayataka, an agency official, said residents in areas hit by strong tremors should pay close attention to future seismic activity and rain, as there is a growing risk of falling rocks and landslides. He also said people should be on the alert for quakes with an intensity of around upper 5 during the next week or so.
On a possible connection to the Nankai Trough megaquake, he explained that while the tremor occurred in the projected epicentre area, it is believed to be different from the anticipated massive earthquake. He added that the agency will continue to carefully monitor seismic activity.
Frequently asked questions
### How strong was the earthquake in Japan? Magnitude 5.7, with the epicentre in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture and the focus at a depth of 41 kilometres.
Where was the shaking strongest?
An intensity of upper 5 was recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture — the first time since March 1997 that shaking of that strength had been observed in Aichi.
How many people were injured?
At least 22 people were injured, including at least 16 in Aichi Prefecture and at least four reports of injuries in Shizuoka Prefecture. No deaths were reported.
Was there a tsunami?
No. NHK reported that there was no threat of a tsunami.
Is this connected to the Nankai Trough megaquake?
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the tremor occurred in the projected epicentre area but is believed to be different from the anticipated massive earthquake, and that it will continue to monitor seismic activity carefully.
In this story
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