Magnitude 5.7 quake hits central Japan, injuring at least 22
The gist
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, injuring at least 22 people.
Officials warn of possible strong quakes in the coming week and urge mudslide caution.
How it unfolded
- Nov 8, 2026 01:04A magnitude 5.7 quake struck about 40 km (25 miles) below the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, injuring at least 22 people and shattering store windows.
- Nov 8, 2026The strongest shaking was felt in Aichi, with effects in Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi (home to Mount Fuji) and Gifu; the quake was not felt in Tokyo. Smaller aftershocks followed and no tsunami warning was issued, Kyodo reported.
- Nov 8, 2026Some local trains were suspended and Shinkansen bullet trains ran at reduced speeds; JR Central said Tokaido Shinkansen trains were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations after safety checks.
Key terms
- Nankai Trough
- An undersea trench south of Japan where two tectonic plates meet and a major earthquake could occur.
- megaquake
- A very powerful earthquake, especially one at a plate boundary that can exceed magnitude 9.
- Shinkansen
- Japan's network of high-speed railway lines, commonly known in English as the bullet train.
Source: Wikipedia