A powerful earthquake rattled central Japan early Sunday, breaking store windows, prompting panic as occupants fled buildings, and leaving at least 22 people injured, according to local media reports.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 5.7, while the United States Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.5. Aftershocks continued to be detected.
The tremor impacted a broad region surrounding Aichi Prefecture, encompassing the city of Hamamatsu, the historic capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture (home to Mount Fuji), and Gifu prefectures.
Television broadcasts captured shattered shop windows and glass fragments scattered across streets, while a bookstore displayed piles of books displaced from their shelves. Among the injured were individuals who tumbled down staircases while attempting to escape.
The earthquake occurred at 1:04 a.m. and was centered approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) beneath the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Aichi and Shizuoka share a border, and while the tremor was not felt in Tokyo, the most intense shaking was recorded in Aichi, according to official seismic data.
The agency advised residents to prepare for potential stronger tremors in the upcoming week, particularly over the next two to three days.
“Please remain vigilant for mudslides, falling rocks and possible impacts from rainfall,” Ayataka Ebita, an agency spokesman, told reporters.
He added that no significant alterations have been observed in the Nankai Trough subduction zone, where scientists warn a megaquake could occur.
As a precaution, the Shinkansen high‑speed rail network reduced speeds in the impacted zones, as seismic activity can compromise railway infrastructure.
Given Japan’s location within a seismically active region, authorities regularly advise citizens to maintain emergency supplies of water, food and batteries, devise evacuation plans, take shelter under sturdy furniture, and wear practical footwear for rapid movement.