November 8, 2026 — A magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures and slowing Tokaido Shinkansen services between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima while tracks were checked. No tsunami warning was issued.
What happened
- When: 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 8 (16:00 GMT Saturday, November 7).
- Where: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) placed the epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 km.
- Shaking: The strongest intensity, upper 5 on Japan’s 7-point shindo scale, was recorded in Chita, Aichi Prefecture, according to Kyodo. Lower 5 was recorded in parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu. Shaking was reported across a wide area, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu, but was not felt in Tokyo.
- Injuries and damage: More than 20 people were hurt in Aichi and Shizuoka, some after falling on stairs as they fled buildings. Shop windows shattered and glass littered some streets, AP reported.
- Tsunami: No tsunami warning was issued.
- Nuclear plant: Chubu Electric reported no abnormalities at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station.
- Nankai Trough: The JMA said it detected no apparent change in the Nankai Trough and considered a link to a major Nankai Trough quake unlikely.
- Government response: A liaison office was set up to coordinate the response.
Rail and transport
- Tokaido Shinkansen: Delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima during safety inspections, according to JR Central. Shinkansen trains ran at reduced speed in affected areas as a precaution.
- Local trains: Some local lines were suspended. Restoration times were not published in the reports we read (TBA).
- Airports and highways: The reports did not mention any impact on Chubu Centrair (Nagoya) or Mt. Fuji Shizuoka airports or on expressways.
Aftershock warning
The JMA told residents to be ready for possible strong shaking over the coming week, especially in the next two to three days. A JMA official also warned people to watch for mudslides and falling rocks, with rain adding to the risk.
What it means for airline travelers
- If you are flying into Nagoya (NGO) or Shizuoka (FSZ), or connecting by Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya/Osaka, check JR Central’s service information before you travel. Expect possible delays on the Tokaido Shinkansen if aftershocks trigger further inspections.
- If you are flying standby, build in extra time for the ground leg. A Shinkansen delay can make you miss the last flight you were hoping to clear.
- Strong aftershocks are possible for about a week. Know your hotel’s evacuation route, keep shoes and a phone charger by the bed, and follow instructions from hotel staff and local authorities.
- Avoid hiking or driving on mountain roads in Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu and Nagano while the mudslide and rockfall warning stands.
- U.S. citizens can enroll in STEP (step.state.gov) and Canadians can register with Registration of Canadians Abroad to get emergency messages from their embassy.
- If you have travel insurance, check whether it covers delays or extra hotel nights caused by an earthquake or aftershocks.
Sources
- Al Jazeera (with AP and Kyodo): Earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20 people
- The Nation (Thailand): Japan earthquake injures over 20 in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures
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