More than 20 people have been injured after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan, with the tremor shattering shop windows and prompting people to flee buildings in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
The earthquake hit western Shizuoka at 1.04am local time on Sunday, at a depth of about 40km, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Authorities reported injuries in both Aichi and Shizuoka. Some people fell on staircases as they tried to escape, while television footage showed broken glass across streets and books piled on the floor of a shop after falling from shelves.
The shaking was felt across a broad area, including Hamamatsu, Kyoto and Nara, as well as Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji, and Gifu. The earthquake was not felt in Tokyo, which lies far from the epicentre.
No tsunami warning was issued.
Warnings of strong aftershocks
The meteorological agency urged people to remain prepared for potentially strong aftershocks over the coming week, with the greatest risk expected during the next two to three days.
Agency official Ayataka Ebita also warned of possible mudslides, falling rocks and the effects of rainfall. He said there had so far been no apparent change in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench where two major tectonic plates meet beneath parts of Japan.
Some local train services were suspended, while the Tokaido Shinkansen linking Tokyo and Osaka operated at reduced speeds in affected areas as safety checks were carried out.
JR Central said services on the line were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations.
