A magnitude 5.7 earthquake has struck central Japan, injuring at least 22 people and sending residents fleeing buildings as shop windows shattered.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake was centred about 40km beneath the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Smaller aftershocks were also reported.
Television footage showed broken shop windows and shards of glass scattered across streets. The shaking affected a wide area, including Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the prefectures of Aichi, Yamanashi and Gifu.
The agency warned people to prepare for further strong earthquakes over the coming week, particularly during the next two to three days.
Ayataka Ebita, an agency official, told reporters: “Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall.”
Japan lies on the Pacific “ring of fire” and is among the countries most prone to earthquakes.
