About Natural Disasters in Japan

Earthquakes

Japan is a region where earthquakes occur frequently and is known as one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The Japanese archipelago is located at the intersection of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, and the North American Plate, which creates numerous plate boundaries that cause earthquakes.

Earthquake intensity in Japan is represented by a unique Japanese intensity scale called “shindo.” Shindo is based on the observed strength of vibrations, the duration of shaking, and the surrounding conditions, and it is expressed in seven levels from one to seven. Earthquakes with an intensity of five or higher occur relatively frequently, and most of Japan’s earthquake damage results from earthquakes of intensity five or higher.

In the past, large-scale earthquakes, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, have occurred, resulting in numerous casualties and damage. These earthquakes not only caused shaking but also triggered secondary disasters, such as tsunamis and fires.

The Japanese government is working to strengthen earthquake countermeasures, including the development of earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure, and to improving disaster relief systems during emergencies. Additionally, there is a call for increased disaster preparedness through earthquake drills and a heightened awareness of disaster prevention in daily life.

Tsunamis

Japan has a long coastline and is also a region susceptible to tsunami damage. Tsunamis are often triggered by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, and in Japan, preparations for tsunamis are required in conjunction with earthquake preparedness.

The most famous tsunami in Japan occurred on March 11, 2011, during the Great East Japan Earthquake. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.0, had its epicenter off the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region. This tsunami brought massive waves that reached several tens of meters in height along the coast, resulting in numerous casualties and devastating damage.

In Japan, tsunami disaster prevention measures are being implemented to minimize the damage caused by tsunamis. These measures include the construction of seawalls several tens of meters high, the establishment of elevated evacuation buildings that allow people to ascend according to the height of a tsunami, and the implementation of tsunami evacuation drills. In addition, issuing tsunami warnings and advisories by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism and the Japan Meteorological Agency, and conveying information to coastal residents is also an essential part of the disaster prevention strategy.

Typhoons

Japan, an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, is in a region highly susceptible to the impact of typhoons. The typhoon season in Japan lasts from around June to November, with a particularly high number of typhoons occurring between August and October.

Typhoons bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, which can lead to damage from gales, high waves, river flooding, and landslides. In Japan, residents are urged to evacuate promptly when evacuation advisories or orders are issued in preparation for typhoons.

Measures to mitigate typhoon damage, such as river and dam management, planting windbreak forests, and implementing flood control measures, are also being carried out in Japan.

Volcanic Eruptions

Japan is a region with a high risk of volcanic eruptions, having over 100 active volcanoes. The following describes volcanic eruptions in Japan.

Types of volcanic eruptions: There are various types of volcanic eruptions, ranging from explosive to relatively quiet. Explosive eruptions can send volcanic ash and volcanic bombs raining down, causing significant damage to surrounding areas.

Impacts of volcanic eruptions: The main cause of damage from volcanic eruptions is from volcanic materials, such as ash, volcanic bombs, and lava flows. When these materials fall in the surrounding areas, they can cause the collapse of bridges and buildings, damage to agriculture and fisheries, and the paralysis of power and transportation systems. Additionally, the emission of volcanic gases can produce gases harmful to the human body.

Monitoring and measures for volcanic eruptions: In Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) monitors volcanic activity. The JMA regularly announces the status of volcanic activity and the danger level of eruptions, and it issues evacuation advisories or orders as needed. Local governments and national agencies also implement measures to prepare for volcanic eruptions, such as preparing evacuation shelters and routes and conducting evacuation drills.