Magnitude 5.7 quake in central Japan injures at least 20
The gist
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring at least 20 people.
Shinkansen trains were disrupted and residents were warned of more tremors this week.
How it unfolded
- Nov 8, 2026 01:04A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, with its epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 41 kilometers.
- Nov 8, 2026The quake shattered storefront windows, knocked merchandise from shelves and disrupted regional train services, including Shinkansen bullet trains, which were delayed or run at reduced speeds for safety checks.
- Nov 8, 2026Injuries were reported in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, including residents who fell while trying to flee; counts ranged from at least 20 to at least 24 across sources.
Key terms
- Shinkansen
- Japan's network of high-speed railway lines, commonly known in English as the bullet train.
- Pacific Ring of Fire
- A horseshoe-shaped tectonic belt around the Pacific where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent.
- Nankai Trough
- An undersea trench south of Japan where two tectonic plates meet and a major earthquake could occur.
Source: Wikipedia