Emergency & Disaster Prevention in Japan

Information on Earthquakes, typhoons, where to evacuate, and more.

Although Japan is a safe and modern country with various emergency services in place, being prepared and knowing how to access those emergency services can make all the difference. Due to its geographical location, Japan is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. Preparing beforehand will make it easier safeguard yourself and family against injury in the event such disasters occur.

Below are guides including a comprehensive list of various emergency services, useful information and guidance in the event of a natural disaster, Emergency number lists, Evacuation Shelter Sites in Tokyo, and Japanese earthquake insurance.

We recommend that you carefully read and bookmark some articles below so they remain accessible in the event of an emergency.

Medical Emergencies in Tokyo: How to Communicate in Japanese

Getting sick or experiencing an unexpected medical emergency in a foreign country like Japan can be scary, especially if you’re not proficient in the local language. Use this guide to use basic Japanese in the case of a medical emergency.

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Earthquake resistance of buildings in Japan

To make all structures as earthquake-resistant as possible, the Building Standard Act has been - and always will be - strictly reviewed to ensure that buildings can withstand earthquakes every time the country experiences a large earthquake. Earthquake-resistance strength is strictly demanded for…

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Japan Earthquake Insurance Guide: A Simple Q&A

Japan is an earthquake-prone country, and there is a history of discussions and studies over a long period of time before the earthquake insurance system was introduced. In the wake of the 1964 Niigata Earthquake, the government and property & casualty insurance companies researched and drafte…

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Japanese warning system - J-ALERT

As Japan lies on the circum-Pacific volcanic belt, the occurrence of the large-scale earthquakes and possibly volcanic eruptions, are unavoidable. If that wasn't troublesome enough in and of itself, Japan has a neighboring country that frequently test-fires its ballistic missiles in the direction of…

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Japan and Earthquakes: Why They Happen and How They are Measured

In Japan, you will sometimes hear sudden beeping noise interrupting your TV program and words flashing across the top of the screen - that is a public announcement of the occurrence and magnitude of any earthquake or natural disaster that just occurred in Japan. At the same time, an alarm, warning…

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Earthquake-proof your Home: A Simple Safety Checklist

With a tremor occurring in Japan every five minutes, it’s never too early to get your home earthquake-ready to ensure minimum damage and maximum chances of survival. If you come from a country that doesn’t suffer from earthquakes so frequently, here are some basic and common-sense indoor safety mea…

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Emergency Evacuation Backpack for Natural Disasters in Japan

Being prepared for emergency evacuation It is advisable to have an evacuation bag prepared in the event of an emergency evacuation in Japan due to an earthquake, fire, tsunami, lifeline cutoff, etc. What items are needed for you or your family to survive while waiting to be rescued or for food supp…

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Useful Free Apps and Websites to Protect You from Natural Disasters in Japan​

When natural disasters happen (such an earthquakes or typhoons), it's important to obtain accurate information that is easy to understand. There are several Apps and Websites which are provide this information in English. Here are some of the must-have Apps to prepare you for natural disasters alon…

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Earthquake App Options: 6 Smart Choices for your Smartphone

As even Japan’s reliable mobile phone networks will inevitably get jammed during natural disasters, the internet is your best bet for getting information and disseminating information about yourself. If you’re new to Japan or aren’t fluent in the language yet, or if your phone set was purchased outs…

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Japan Typhoon Season: How to Prepare for a Disaster

It is not only earthquakes that you may need to keep in mind as risks of natural disasters in Japan. As sea temperature levels rise due to global warming in recent years, typhoons are beginning to originate closer to Japan, and are becoming more powerful. Tropical storms, which arise from tropical…

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