Magnitude 5.7 earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan in the early hours of Sunday, injuring more than 20 people and damaging shops and buildings. The quake hit at 1:04am local time, with the epicentre at a depth of about 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Authorities said the shaking was felt across a wide area, including parts of Aichi Prefecture and other central regions, while Tokyo was not affected.

Local media and authorities said more than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. Television images showed shattered shop windows and glass scattered across streets, while a bookstore was left with books fallen from shelves. Some of the injured were reported to have fallen on stairs while trying to leave buildings.

The meteorological agency warned residents to remain alert for possible strong aftershocks over the coming week, especially in the next two to three days. Officials also warned of secondary hazards, including mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects of rainfall. The agency said there had been no apparent change so far in the Nankai Trough, the underwater trench where two major tectonic plates meet beneath parts of Japan.

Scientists have long said the area could produce a major earthquake, making any seismic activity there closely watched by emergency planners and the public. The quake affected a broad area near central Japan, including the city of Hamamatsu and prefectures such as Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, as well as Gifu. Some local train services were suspended, and bullet trains on the Shinkansen network were running at reduced speed in affected areas as a precaution.

Rail operator JR Central said trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations after safety checks. Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and transport operators and local authorities routinely move quickly to inspect infrastructure after strong tremors. In this case, the immediate focus has been on injuries, building damage and the risk of aftershocks rather than on wider structural failures.

The warnings about mudslides and falling rocks also reflect the added danger in mountainous and rain-affected areas after seismic events. What remains unclear is the full extent of damage across the affected prefectures and whether any further injuries will be reported as inspections continue. Authorities have not reported any apparent change in the Nankai Trough, but they are urging vigilance over the coming days.

The main things to watch are aftershocks, transport disruption and any new assessments from seismologists and local officials.

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