TOKYO (Azat TV) – A magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck central Japan in the early hours of Sunday, November 8, 2026, injuring more than 20 people, shattering storefronts, and causing temporary disruptions to regional transport networks, according to official reports compiled from Kyodo News and Al Jazeera.
Officials confirmed that the temblor struck at 1:04 a.m. local time with an epicentre in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 40 to 41 kilometres. The Japan Meteorological Agency (NHK WORLD-JAPAN) reported no tsunami risk and stated that the quake registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Chita, Aichi Prefecture.
Immediate Impact and Shaking Intensity
The strong shaking injured over 20 individuals across Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. According to reporting cited by Al Jazeera, some of the injured victims fell on staircases while attempting to flee shaking buildings, while others suffered cuts from shattered windows and fallen household items. Kyodo News noted that an upper 5 intensity makes it difficult for most people to walk without holding onto fixed structures, and unsecured furniture can topple over. Lower 5 intensity readings were registered in neighbouring Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
This event marks the largest seismic tremor to hit Aichi Prefecture in approximately three decades. The last time an upper 5 intensity earthquake was recorded in the prefecture was in March 1997, underscoring the unusual severity of Sunday’s tremor for the region, which serves as a major manufacturing hub including operations tied to Toyota Motor Corp., as detailed by Kyodo News.
Transport Disruptions and Government Response
Infrastructure networks sustained immediate preventative checks. According to Nation Thailand, rail operators suspended several local lines and slowed down high-speed bullet train services. The Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Osaka experienced delays between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations while safety inspections were completed, though normal-speed operations resumed before noon on Sunday (Kyodo News).
The central Japanese government established an emergency liaison office to coordinate disaster response and gather damage reports. Meanwhile, Chubu Electric Power Co. confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in Shizuoka Prefecture (Kyodo News). Although the facility is located near the projected source area of a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, meteorological officials stated that the likelihood of a direct link between Sunday’s earthquake and a major Nankai Trough event remains low (NHK WORLD-JAPAN).
Aftershock Warnings and Public Safety Advice
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant. During a post-earthquake news conference, agency official Ayataka Ebita warned that strong aftershocks could occur over the coming week, particularly within the next two to three days (Al Jazeera). Residents have been advised to monitor weather conditions closely due to the elevated risk of mudslides and falling rocks in areas impacted by recent tremors and rainfall.