Hamakita, Japan — A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook central Japan late Saturday morning, striking about 10 kilometers northwest of Hamakita at 10:04 AM Central Time.

What happened:

The quake hit at a depth of about 38 kilometers, or roughly 24 miles, below the surface. It was centered near Hamakita in Shizuoka Prefecture, not far from the city of Hamamatsu on Japan's Pacific coast. The U.S. Geological Survey reviewed the event and rated it magnitude 5.5.

Impacts:

Shaking reached a level strong enough to be felt clearly across the area, with an estimated intensity of about 5.3 on the shaking scale used by the USGS. At least 15 people reported feeling the quake. The USGS issued a green alert level, which means little or no damage or casualties are expected. No tsunami threat was issued for this earthquake.

What to do:

If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, and anything that could fall.

After the shaking ends, check yourself and those around you for injuries, and check your home for gas leaks, damaged wiring, or broken water lines.

Expect aftershocks. They can follow for hours or days, and some can be strong enough to cause more damage, so stay alert and be ready to drop, cover, and hold on again.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 7, 2026.