Japan experiences over 1,000 earthquakes per year — most minor, some significant. As a foreign resident, the three most important preparations: (1) download the NHK World or Safety tips app for English earthquake alerts, (2) assemble a basic emergency kit (3 days of food/water, medications, cash, documents), and (3) know your local evacuation shelter (避難所) — register at your ward office to receive local emergency broadcasts. If a major earthquake hits: drop, cover, hold on. Don’t run outside during shaking.
2:37am. Your phone screams an alarm you’ve never heard before. The building starts moving. The light fixture is swinging. You have no idea what’s happening.
This is the experience of many foreigners in Japan during their first significant earthquake. Japan is one of the most seismically active countries on Earth — but with preparation, it’s also one of the safest countries in the world to experience earthquakes. Japan’s building codes, alert systems, and emergency infrastructure are world-class.
What you need to do is prepare before it happens.
Understanding Japan’s Earthquake Risk
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences about 20% of the world’s major earthquakes. Most are minor (magnitude 1–3, unnoticeable or minor shaking). Earthquakes of magnitude 5+ occur dozens of times per year.
Seismic scale used in Japan: Japan uses the shindo scale (震度), not the Richter scale:
| Shindo | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|
| 0 | Imperceptible |
| 1–2 | Slight tremor, hanging objects sway |
| 3 | Noticed by most; some objects fall |
| 4 | Strong shaking; some dishes fall |
| 5 Lower | Difficult to stand; furniture moves |
| 5 Upper | Some walls crack; very difficult to stand |
| 6 Lower | Impossible to stand without support |
| 6 Upper | Crawling only; most unreinforced walls collapse |
| 7 | Total destruction of weak structures |
Modern Japanese buildings (built after 1981, the current seismic code) are engineered to withstand shindo 6–7 without collapse.
Setting Up Earthquake Alerts on Your Phone
Japan’s Emergency Broadcast System (緊急地震速報)
Your Japanese phone will automatically receive earthquake warnings in Japanese. These come seconds before the shaking reaches you — enough time to duck under a table.
For English alerts:
- NHK World app — push notifications for major earthquakes in English
- Safety tips app (by Japan Tourism Agency) — disaster information in 14 languages
- Yurekuru Call app — Japanese, but shows shindo intensity in real time
Turn your phone’s emergency alerts ON:
Settings → Notifications → Emergency Alerts (ensure all earthquake and disaster alerts are enabled)
What to Do During an Earthquake
During shaking:
- DROP — get low to the ground
- COVER — get under a sturdy table or desk; protect your head and neck with your arms if no furniture is available
- HOLD ON — hold onto the table leg; don’t let go until shaking stops
Do NOT:
- Run outside (falling glass and objects are the primary danger during shaking)
- Use elevators
- Light candles or matches immediately after (gas leaks)
- Rush to the door (the “door frame” myth — modern buildings don’t need this)
After shaking stops:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Turn off gas at the main valve
- Open windows and doors (they may be jammed by structural shifts)
- Get shoes on — broken glass is everywhere
- Check for fire, smoke, or structural damage
- Listen to NHK World Radio for updates (app or online)
Build an Emergency Kit (防災セット)
Japan recommends at least 3 days of emergency supplies. Most convenience stores sell basic emergency kits. What to include:
Food and Water
- 3 liters of water per person per day (for 3 days minimum)
- Non-perishable food: canned goods, instant noodles, crackers, energy bars
- Manual can opener
Documents (keep copies)
- Passport photocopy
- Residence card photocopy
- Health insurance card photocopy
- List of emergency contacts
Emergency Essentials
- Cash (small bills — ATMs and card readers may be down)
- Flashlight + extra batteries
- Portable phone charger (fully charged)
- First aid kit
- Any essential medications (1+ week supply)
- Portable radio
Practical additions
- Dust mask or N95 mask
- Work gloves
- Warm clothing and raincoat
- Whistle (for signaling under rubble)
- A pair of sturdy shoes next to your bed
Know Your Evacuation Shelter
Every Japanese neighborhood has a designated evacuation shelter (避難所), typically a school or community center. You can find yours:
- At your ward/city office when you register your address
- On your municipality’s disaster prevention map (防災マップ) — usually available on the ward office website
- Google Maps: search “避難場所 [your neighborhood name]”
Register for local emergency broadcasts:
When you register your address at the ward office, ask to be added to the local disaster alert system. You’ll receive alerts via phone, text, or loudspeaker about your specific area.
Tsunami Awareness
If you live in a coastal area or near a river mouth:
- Know if your area is in a tsunami hazard zone (津波ハザードマップ)
- If you feel a strong earthquake at the coast: move inland and uphill immediately without waiting for an official warning
- The official alert takes minutes; tsunamis can arrive in minutes
Tsunami hazard maps are available at your ward office and on the government website: gsi.go.jp.
Language Resources During Emergencies
- NHK World English Radio/App — continuous English updates during major disasters
- Foreign Residents’ Disaster Survival Handbook — available as PDF from Tokyo Metropolitan Government (tokyometro.jp)
- JNTO Emergency Helpline (for tourists): 050-3816-2787
Japan’s major cities have foreigner assistance during disasters — your ward office can tell you the specific procedure for your area.
Health coverage that follows you globally: SafetyWing covers emergency medical treatment worldwide, including evacuation if needed — useful for expats and frequent travellers to Japan.