Strong Earthquake Hits Central Japan, Shatters Store Windows and Injures at Least 22 People

A powerful earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, shattering shop windows, forcing people to flee buildings and injuring at least 22 people, according to local media reports.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured the earthquake at magnitude 5.7, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded it at 5.5. Several smaller aftershocks were also reported.

The tremor affected a wide area around Aichi Prefecture, including Hamamatsu city, the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara, and the neighboring prefectures of Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji, and Gifu.

Television footage showed shattered shop windows and broken glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left in disarray, with piles of books thrown from shelves by the shaking. Among those injured were people who fell down stairs while attempting to escape buildings.

The earthquake struck at 1:04 a.m. local time, at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) beneath Shizuoka Prefecture. Aichi and Shizuoka are neighboring prefectures. The tremor was not felt in Tokyo, while the strongest shaking was recorded in Aichi, according to official seismic assessments.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency urged residents to remain alert for further strong earthquakes over the coming week, particularly during the next two to three days.

“Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall,” agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters.

Ebita added that no significant changes had so far been detected along the Nankai Trough, a major tectonic zone where scientists have warned that a potentially devastating megaquake could occur.

As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains in the affected areas operated at reduced speeds amid concerns that earthquakes could damage railway infrastructure.

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Authorities regularly advise residents to maintain emergency supplies, including bottled water, food and batteries, prepare evacuation plans and keep comfortable walking shoes readily available.