Strong earthquake with preliminary magnitude of 5.7 strikes Japan
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, causing injuries and property damage across several prefectures. Authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including slowing down bullet train services.
Why it matters
The event highlights Japan's ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity and the effectiveness of its infrastructure safety protocols.
Tokyo A strong earthquake shook central Japan early Sunday (November 8, 2026), shattering store windows, causing people to flee buildings and leaving at least 22 people injured, according to local media. Japan's Meteorological Agency put the quake's magnitude at 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it at magnitude 5.5. Smaller aftershocks were reported. A wide area near Aichi Prefecture was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara and nearby prefectures of Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, as well as Gifu. Japanese TV footage showed shattered store windows and scattered shards of glass on the streets.
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