Shizuoka:A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 shook central Japan early Sunday, causing damage to stores and prompting people to evacuate buildings. At least 22 people have been reported injured, as conveyed by local media.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the quake's magnitude at 5.7, with the epicenter located approximately 40 kilometers beneath the earth's surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. The region also experienced several smaller aftershocks following the initial quake.

The affected area extends to a wide region near Aichi Prefecture, including the city of Hamamatsu and the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara. The surrounding prefectures of Yamanashi and Gifu were also impacted by the earthquake.