TOKYO, Japan | November 8, 2026 — At least 22 people were injured after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, shattering shop windows, scattering glass across streets and sending residents fleeing buildings as authorities warned of possible stronger aftershocks.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded the earthquake at 1:04 a.m. local time, with its epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 41 kilometers. The agency recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 5 upper on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. The US Geological Survey independently measured the earthquake at magnitude 5.5.
The Associated Press reported that some of the injured were hurt after falling on stairs while trying to escape buildings. Television footage showed shattered storefront windows, broken glass along roads and books thrown from shelves in a bookstore.
The earthquake affected a wide area, including Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, as well as parts of Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Gifu and Yamanashi. Tokyo was not affected by noticeable shaking.
The JMA advised residents in affected areas to remain alert for approximately one week, particularly during the next two to three days, when stronger earthquakes could occur. It also warned of possible landslides and falling rocks, especially in areas experiencing rainfall. Smaller aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake.
The agency confirmed that there was no tsunami threat. Although the earthquake occurred within the assumed source region of a possible Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake, the JMA said the event did not indicate any particular change in the locked conditions along the plate boundary.
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains operated at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution while railway conditions were assessed.
The earthquake has renewed attention on Japan’s vulnerability to major seismic events. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.
The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s Pacific coast, remains a major concern for disaster authorities. Historical records document destructive earthquakes in the region, including the 1854 Ansei earthquakes and the 1944 Tonankai and 1946 Nankai earthquakes. The latter two occurred about two years apart, demonstrating the potential for successive major earthquakes along the plate boundary.
Despite the latest earthquake, the JMA stressed that current observations do not indicate an increased likelihood of an imminent Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake. Residents were nevertheless urged to secure household items, prepare emergency supplies and follow official safety advisories.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
