Are you wondering how to protect yourself during an earthquake? Not sure what to do or where to go? Maybe you don’t even know what to put in your emergency bag? Don’t worry—this is your ultimate, number-one guide to surviving earthquakes in Japan. Whether you’re a tourist, a long-term resident, or just earthquake-curious, this blog post covers everything you need to know to be safe, prepared, and informed.
If you know anything about Japan, you may already be familiar with how frequently earthquakes strike this small island nation. Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes every year due to its location directly on top of several tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones in the world.
Living in Japan means you must be aware of the risk of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. However, being informed is the best way to stay calm and safe.
If you’re into classic manga, you might know “Watashi ga Mita Mirai” (The Future I Saw) by Ryo Tatsuki. In this eerie and fascinating manga, the author allegedly predicts several major world events—including a massive earthquake predicted to occur in 2025.
I’m not going to lie: I got paranoid after reading more about this manga and how surprisingly accurate some of her previous predictions were. Of course, no one can know for sure if or when a big earthquake will happen, but there’s always value in being prepared—and that starts with knowledge.
One reason people in Japan are especially on edge lately is due to the Nankai Trough Earthquake cycle.
Over the past 1,400 years, a major earthquake along the Nankai Trough has occurred every 100 to 200 years. The last one? Roughly 80 to 100 years ago. That means we’re quickly approaching the high-risk window for the next big one.
In simple terms: when an earthquake occurs along this trench, the tectonic plates involved snap back into place and begin building pressure again—pressure that eventually leads to another quake. Scientists and disaster officials are urging people in Japan to prepare now, especially those living in coastal regions or major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo.
Don’t be scared. That’s the most important thing to remember. You’ve got the most powerful weapon on your side: knowledge.
Knowing what to do, where to go, and how to prepare an emergency earthquake survival kit will help you stay calm and keep the people around you safe too.
Now class, let’s begin our Earthquake Preparedness 101.
Having a well-stocked emergency earthquake bag (防災バッグ) is one of the smartest things you can do while living in Japan—or anywhere prone to natural disasters.
Keep your disaster kit near the front door or somewhere you can grab it easily in an emergency evacuation. Whether you buy one or build one, your go-bag should include these essentials:
Here are a few wonderful options for you:
This can easily be purchased on Amazon at these links:
Here are a list of 15 items that you should consider including in your emergency bag.
Of course, you can include even more—like medication, snacks, or pet supplies—but these are a solid starting point for earthquake readiness.
Currently at Daiso they have an emergency section where you can get your own emergency bag and DIY this. Most Daiso stores now carry a dedicated emergency disaster preparedness section, where you can buy items like:
-Mini flashlights
-Thermal blankets
-Emergency whistles
-Emergency toilets
-Plastic ponchos
One of the most crucial parts of earthquake preparation is knowing where to evacuate.
Look up your designated evacuation center (避難所 – hinanjo) online or go directly to your local City Hall to ask for printed materials in English or Japanese.
Here is a link to a website in the Kansai area (for those that live here) where you can check for evacuation areas in Osaka.
https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/kikikanrishitsu/english/map.html
Stay informed with these free emergency apps for Japan that provide real-time alerts, instructions, and safety information:
*Yurekuru Call – Sends early earthquake alerts before shaking begins
*NERV Disaster Prevention App – Real-time disaster info (in English and Japanese)
*NHK World Emergency Alerts – Multilingual updates for major disasters
Indoors During An Earthquake
Outdoors During an Earthquake
Remember: the best way to stay safe is to stay calm, know the risks, and be prepared. This information is crucial for tourists visiting Japan, foreign residents, or even people living in other earthquake-prone countries like Indonesia, Chile, or California.
Whether it’s your first earthquake or your tenth, having a plan, a bag, and a calm mindset will make a huge difference. Share this guide with friends and family so everyone around you can be informed too.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay strong.
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