Weather & Disasters · Japan
Japan earthquakes: what we know today
Two quakes in three days, the facts so far and how to follow official updates.
The Japan earthquake today was a preliminary magnitude 5.7 quake that struck central Japan early Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Local media reported at least 22 people injured, many from falls on stairs, two days after a magnitude 6.1 quake off the coast near Tokyo.
Japan records earthquakes almost every day, and most do little harm. This one shattered shop windows, sent people running from buildings and briefly stopped trains. Below is what has been confirmed, what is still being measured and how to check official information if you live in or are traveling to Japan.
The Nov. 8 earthquake in central Japan
- Magnitude: 5.7 according to the JMA; the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured 5.5.
- Area: a wide area around Aichi Prefecture was affected, the Associated Press reported. Some reports placed the epicenter in neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture, so the exact location may be revised.
- Depth: about 41 kilometers (25 miles), according to ABC News Australia.
- Injuries: at least 22, including people who fell on staircases while trying to leave buildings.
- Damage: shattered store windows; no major structural damage had been reported in the coverage we read.
- Tsunami: none expected; no tsunami warning was reported.
- Transport: train service paused for safety inspections, then resumed.
Authorities warned that strong aftershocks are possible and urged caution about landslides, according to the reports. Smaller aftershocks had already followed.
The Nov. 6 earthquake off the Tokyo coast
On the evening of Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck at sea off the Kanto coast, the region that includes Tokyo. The JMA recorded a seismic intensity of 3 on Japan’s 0 to 7 scale and said only minor sea-level changes were possible; damaging tsunami waves were not expected.
Japan’s earthquakes this week
| Date | Magnitude | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Nov. 6, 2026 | 6.1 | Offshore, Kanto coast; intensity 3; no damaging tsunami |
| Sun., Nov. 8, 2026 | 5.7 JMA / 5.5 USGS | Central Japan near Aichi; at least 22 injured; trains paused |
How Japan measures earthquakes: magnitude vs. shindo
Two numbers appear in Japanese reports. Magnitude measures the energy released at the source. Seismic intensity, called shindo, measures how strongly the ground shook at a given place, which is what matters for damage. The JMA scale has 10 levels: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 lower, 5 upper, 6 lower, 6 upper and 7.
JMA seismic intensity scale (shindo)
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency. Intensity varies with distance from the epicenter and local ground.
The JMA issues a Seismic Intensity Information report within about a minute and a half when shaking reaches intensity 3 or more, and tsunami warnings within about two to three minutes of a quake, according to the agency.
Earlier this year: the 2026 Sanriku earthquake
Many searches for Japan earthquakes this year trace back to April 20, 2026, when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake (USGS) struck off the Sanriku coast of northern Honshu. Tsunami warnings were issued, then downgraded, and waves of about 80 centimeters were observed at Kuji, Iwate. About 10 people were injured, and evacuation orders covered roughly 176,000 people. A magnitude 6.9 aftershock followed on June 25, 2026.
How to check if there is an earthquake in Japan right now
Official sources to use
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)The official source for earthquake, intensity and tsunami information: jma.go.jp, with an English earthquake page.
- USGS Latest EarthquakesA global map with magnitudes and locations at earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map.
- Local alertsJapanese phones receive Earthquake Early Warnings automatically; follow local officials and your hotel or employer.
- U.S. travelersEnroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts.
Drop, cover and hold on. Stay away from windows and do not run outside while the ground is shaking; falling glass and signs are a main cause of injury, and this week many people were hurt on stairs. Near the coast, move to higher ground right away if there is strong or long shaking or a tsunami warning.
What it means for business and travel
Japan is a major trading partner for American companies, and short disruptions to trains, ports and factories can ripple into shipping times. A moderate quake like this one usually causes brief delays, not lasting supply problems, but businesses that rely on Japanese suppliers should know their backup options. Our guide to operations and supply chain covers planning for disruptions.
Common mistakes
- Treating early numbers as final. Magnitudes and locations are often revised.
- Confusing magnitude with intensity. A small quake nearby can shake harder than a large one far away.
- Sharing unverified videos. Japan’s government has warned about recycled and AI-made footage after past quakes.
- Running during shaking. Falls on stairs caused many of this week’s injuries.
- Ignoring tsunami guidance near the coast. Follow JMA warnings immediately.
Key terms
- Magnitude: a measure of the energy an earthquake releases.
- Shindo (seismic intensity): Japan’s 0 to 7 scale for how strongly the ground shakes in a place.
- Epicenter: the point on the surface above where the quake starts.
- Aftershock: a smaller quake that follows a larger one.
- Earthquake Early Warning: JMA’s alert sent seconds before strong shaking arrives.
The bottom line: the Japan earthquake today was a preliminary magnitude 5.7 quake in central Japan that injured at least 22 people on Nov. 8, 2026, following a magnitude 6.1 offshore quake on Nov. 6. Check the JMA and USGS for official updates, expect aftershocks and follow local guidance.
Key takeaways
- A preliminary magnitude 5.7 earthquake (JMA; 5.5 USGS) struck central Japan early Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
- At least 22 people were injured, many in falls on stairs; trains paused for safety checks.
- No tsunami warning was reported, but officials warned of possible strong aftershocks.
- A magnitude 6.1 quake struck off the Kanto coast near Tokyo on Nov. 6 with intensity 3 and no damaging tsunami.
- Use the Japan Meteorological Agency and USGS for official earthquake information.
Frequently asked questions
Was there an earthquake in Japan today?
Yes. A preliminary magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The USGS measured it at 5.5.
How many people were hurt in the Japan earthquake?
Local media reported at least 22 injuries, including people who fell on stairs while trying to leave buildings.
Was there a tsunami warning?
No tsunami warning was reported for the Nov. 8 quake. For the Nov. 6 magnitude 6.1 quake, the JMA said only minor sea-level changes were possible.
Where can I check earthquakes in Japan?
Use the Japan Meteorological Agency website at jma.go.jp and the USGS Latest Earthquakes map. Phones in Japan receive Earthquake Early Warnings automatically.
What is the difference between magnitude and shindo?
Magnitude measures the energy released by an earthquake. Shindo, Japan’s seismic intensity scale from 0 to 7, measures how strongly the ground shakes at a specific place.
Sources
- Associated Press via ABC News: A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 strikes Japan (Nov. 8, 2026)
- ABC News (Australia): Earthquake rocks central Japan, shattering shop windows and injuring at least 22 (Nov. 8, 2026)
- KSL/AP: Strong earthquake shakes central Japan, shattering store windows and injuring at least 22 (Nov. 8, 2026)
- Colombia One: Japan hit by magnitude-6.1 earthquake off eastern coast (Nov. 6, 2026)
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Earthquake information (viewed Nov. 8, 2026)
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Tables explaining the JMA Seismic Intensity Scale
- U.S. Geological Survey: Latest Earthquakes map
- Wikipedia: 2026 Sanriku earthquake (viewed Nov. 8, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State: Japan travel information
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