37 Injured After Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Shakes Tokyo and Eastern Japan

TOKYO, Japan — At least 37 people were injured after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday, shaking Tokyo and surrounding prefectures and disrupting train services across the region.

The earthquake struck at about 2:00 a.m. local time in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo, at a depth of about 70 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Injuries Reported Across Five Prefectures

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least 37 people were injured, with most injuries described as minor.

Among the more serious cases was a woman in her 80s in Yokohama who fell while attempting to get out of bed and injured her hip.

Strong Shaking Across Tokyo Region

The earthquake registered a lower 5 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale in parts of Tokyo, Ibaraki, Saitama and Chiba.

Earthquake warning systems activated across the region, with alerts appearing on mobile phones as strong shaking was felt throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Train Services Disrupted

The earthquake caused delays to regional train services serving Tokyo and Narita Airport.

Shinkansen bullet train services were not significantly affected.

No Tsunami Threat

Authorities said there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake.

Minor damage was reported in parts of the region, including damage to a building in Saitama and a ruptured water pipe in Tokyo’s Koto Ward.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks in the coming days.