#48 What to do in case of an earthquake while traveling in Japan
Some tips from my personal experience of the Great East Earthquake 12 years ago
After a long cold winter, March is the month to start looking forward to the cherry blossoms, to spring. But it is also the time to remember the Great East Earthquake which hit the Tohoku region 12 years ago, on the 11th of March, 2011. Nearly 16,000 people lost their lives, and numerous problems remain, including the issue of the tsunami-devastated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and the return of disaster victims. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, which is estimated to have killed 105,000 people. Both earthquakes are different in period, location, and nature. But they both taught us many important lessons.
Much of the talk in the country focuses on how to protect the lives of those who live and work in the country. However, now with more foreign visitors, I think it’s important to talk about how to protect those who are visiting the country, who may not be so familiar with what to do in case of earthquakes.
If you’re visiting Japan, know that you are visiting the country of the earthquakes. Nobody knows if signs of a major earthquake may be quietly advancing underground.
My experience: 2011 Great East Earthquake
On the 11th of March 2011, I was in my office on the 12th floor of my company building when a huge earthquake hit the Tohoku region. Phones started ringing loudly with early earthquake warning alerts and they would not stop. It did not take long to realize that this earthquake was going to be something incomparable to those I have experienced in my lifetime. The magnitude of the tremor in Tokyo was so big that it brought to mind the fear of a tsunami at the epicentre. Through the television monitors, I witnessed an occurrence of an unprecedented disaster.
At the same time of the day, my wife was shopping at Shinjuku, a major commercial area in Tokyo, and she came out of the department store soon after the first shake. She saw high buildings shaking so violently that they looked like they were touching each other. She recognized that the situation was extremely bad, and instead of going to the train station, she started walking back home. The distance is about 10 km, and it takes about 2 hours on foot. Luckily, she found a taxi along the way and she came back home safely. On this day, major terminal stations were packed with people without means of transportation and many walked for hours to go home to their families.
Japan is a country where there is always a potential threat of strong earthquakes and there are many smaller earthquakes that happen frequently. If you’re visiting Japan, you should know at least the minimum measures to take in case of an earthquake, if not for your safety then for your peace of mind.
When is the next big earthquake?
Nankai Trough earthquakes which are widely considered potentially catastrophic earthquakes are large-scale earthquakes that have occurred repeatedly at intervals of approximately 100 to 150 years, with their epicenter located at the plate boundary between Suruga Bay and off the coast of the Hyuga Sea. Now that more than 70 years have passed since the last Nankai Trough earthquake, the imminence of the next Nankai Trough earthquake is increasing.
The other day, the government's Seismological Research Commission announced that the probability of a massive magnitude (M 8-9) earthquake along the Nankai Trough between Shizuoka Prefecture and off the coast of Kyushu in the 20 years has increased to around 60%. This information is a bit shocking, but it doesn’t mean you will face the situation tomorrow. This information is more like a strong warning for local government and people in public to prepare for such earthquakes.
So the question is this: what you can prepare as a traveler in case of a large-scale earthquake? There are several points that you should keep in your mind that will help you survive.
Gathering information & preparation
Installing disaster apps on your smartphone is very important. Apps will provide you with an earthquake early warning, Tsunami warning, and even the nearest evacuating point.
NHK World App covers the latest news and various disaster information in 19 languages.
When you check in at the hotel, double-check the evacuation route.
Check whether your location will be affected by Tsunamis. You can check this from the hazard map that shows areas with high risk of water hazards.
As mobile phone lines are less likely to be connected in the event of a major earthquake, family members and other traveling companions should decide on a meeting place in advance on the assumption that mobile phone connections will be disrupted if they are to travel separately.
Avoid accommodation in high-rise buildings with more than 10 stories where you will more likely to feel the sways from the earthquakes.
When you feel an earthquake
When you feel a tremor or receive an earthquake early warning, act with personal safety as your priority.
Hide in a space where objects will not fall, fall over, or move and watch out until the shaking subsides (e.g. take shelter under a solid stable table, avoid standing next to the window)
If you’re using fire or cooking, put out the fire as soon as possible.
When the earthquake subsides
Do not rush outside to avoid falling objects such as tiles, window panes, signs, etc. Wait until the tremor subsides and calmly evacuate to open space (e.g. parks and school playgrounds).
Distortion of buildings caused by earthquakes can prevent windows and doors from opening, so first open windows and doors when you feel a tremor to provide an escape route.
Other tips
Japan National Tourism Organization has a special site in English explaining what to do and how to prepare in case of an earthquake.
One thing I strongly recommend is a mobile battery. In case of a power cut, it is essential to have one.
Again you don't know when a massive earthquake will hit Japan so you don't have to be overly concerned. That said, some additional preparation and precaution will give you a peace of your mind. The important thing is to be ready to take action to save your life in an emergency.
To end the post on a more positive note, I have a small announcement (for those living in Tokyo!)
Sakura Bike Ride Tour in Tokyo
For those living in Tokyo, I plan to hold a “Sakura Bike Ride” on Saturday 25th of March. It is about a 15km ride on an electrically power-assisted bicycle. I will guide you along the riverbank of the Tama River. Details will be posted in my next newsletter. I will be able to take only a limited number of people. Please leave a comment if you are interested or have any questions! For the application, I consider using the chat function of the Substack App.
If you have any specific topics you want me to cover in this newsletter, let me know in the comments below.
I think the people of Japan live in the present moment, fully aware of the possibility of death due to natural disasters. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I think this also what makes the Japanese grounded people. Humility is interwoven in everyday gestures. I'm in awe of their simplistic ways.
I cannot tell you what a relief it is compared to a place where people take little things for granted. The difference in attitude toward life and people is stark!
I had a chance to visit Osaka and Kyoto during right when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I'm a better person after my visit to Japan. I want to come back there. I loved it so much.
If death happens to me in Japan, I'll die a happier person at the time.