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Maybe you’re reading this article because of all the buzz about the approaching Nankai megaquake (the probability of it occurring in the next 30 years has recently been estimated between 60% and 94.5%)1 or perhaps because you remember the 2011 Fukushima tsunami. Whatever the reason, what matters is being prepared for the kinds of disasters that occur in Japan.
In Japan there are approximately 1,500 felt earthquakes each year; in addition, the country has advanced observation and early-warning systems that significantly reduce risk.2 The difference between safety and danger often comes down to preparedness.
I get it: during my first week in Japan, I felt the first earthquake of my life. I was in class at my university and tried to mimic what my classmates were doing, but in that moment I realized how vulnerable I was because I wasn’t prepared.
When I moved to Japan, I knew the country had earthquakes, but I never really considered what that meant in practical terms for my daily safety. So I understand if you’re in a similar situation or worried about how you’d react during a natural disaster in Japan.
Expectation vs. reality
Expectation: I’ll keep a calm Japanese zen and follow the protocol like a walking manual.
Reality: You forget everything you learned, your brain invents a new language, and you end up hugging the nearest chair like it’s your best friend.
Foreign residents face different challenges during disasters in Japan: language barriers in emergency communications, unfamiliarity with local protocols, and a lack of ties with neighbors you can ask for help. Disaster preparedness is more necessary than ever, because in 2024 Japan’s foreign-resident population was 3,768,977 people, a year-on-year increase of 10.5%.3 In addition, weather events are becoming increasingly extreme due to climate change.
Disaster preparedness in Japan goes far beyond having a few supplies on hand; it’s deeply integrated into infrastructure, education, and community response.
And that makes complete sense, because in reality Japan sits at a node of seismic, oceanic, and climatic activity that makes it particularly vulnerable.
The January 1, 2024 Noto earthquake (magnitude 7.6) left more than 650 fatalities and was the deadliest since 2011.4 This earthquake was a wake-up call for many, especially foreign residents who experienced it and didn’t understand the initial alerts. This event marked a before-and-after in risk communication, including the first-ever activation (August 2024) of an advisory related to the Nankai Trough.2
It’s important to note that you should prepare not only for earthquakes but also for typhoons and tsunamis. For example, while locals instinctively secure objects and tape windows almost automatically, many foreign residents have told me they didn’t know where to start. This gap between local and foreign preparedness is common.
One of the first steps you should take to be prepared is to review essential government websites, for example:
Once you know these sites, in this article I’ll cover Japan’s most common disasters—earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis—and mainly what to do and how to prepare for when they happen.
Earthquakes are the most unpredictable disasters in Japan; they can happen literally at any time without warning. For instance, in my case, the first thing I did was run outside, but when I saw no one else doing so, I realized people were staying indoors, protecting themselves under tables first, assessing the situation, and then evacuating. They do this almost automatically because they’ve been doing drills since kindergarten. And that’s what we lack: preparedness.
In practice
If your first instinct was to record the quake, you’re not alone. But please, survive first.
The first 72 hours are critical. Use the 171 disaster voice message service (災害用伝言ダイヤル) for emergency messages and, when available, connect to emergency Wi-Fi hotspots labeled “00000JAPAN.”7
Let’s move from the unpredictable to the inevitable: typhoons. Unlike earthquakes, they generally come with several days’ notice, giving you time to prepare. However, do not underestimate them: neighborhoods can be left without power for days.
Your emergency kit
Expectation: A kit organized with 72 hours of essentials.
Reality: 3 packs of ramen, 47 KitKats, and a flashlight with dead batteries.
Fun fact: KitKats melt and many ramen packs require a microwave.
One important note: apartment entry doors often open inward. During a typhoon with heavy rain, water can pool against your door. Keep absorbent towels on hand to prevent seepage.
Don’t forget that urban rivers in Japan can overflow quickly. Areas with the character for valley 谷 in place names—like Shibuya (“Shibu River valley”)—are particularly prone to flooding.
After a severe typhoon, supply chains can be affected. Restock your provisions as soon as it’s reasonably safe.
Tsunamis may be the deadliest of Japan’s natural disasters, as tragically shown in 2011. For those living near coastal areas, understanding this specific risk is critical.
The first thing to do when moving to a coastal city is to identify evacuation routes marked with blue tsunami signs. Time how long it takes to reach higher ground from your home and from your local train station.
Moment of clarity
Tourist: Wow, the sea just receded! I need to see what’s happening.
Resident: Moves away from the beach and heads for higher ground.
Lesson: If the sea behaves unusually, don’t approach out of curiosity. Move away from the coast and head to high ground immediately.
Three minutes
That’s less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. In coastal zones, the rule is clear: if you feel a quake and you’re near the shore, go to higher ground immediately and assess only once you’re safe.
There’s a big difference between those who react automatically when they hear alerts and those who don’t yet know how to act. Effective mental preparation makes a huge difference.
After my first major quake, I spent several days feeling anxious until I learned more with help from my ward office. Over time, I was able to focus on what I should do in these situations. Preparedness gives a sense of control that can save lives.
Below are some tips for the most common obstacles in Japan.
Information in English can arrive with a delay during emergencies, and translation services can get overloaded. Although more multilingual alerts exist now, it’s best to prepare in advance.
A helpful tip: even if an app isn’t in your language, keep it installed and learn to recognize the key elements. In emergencies, speed matters more than perfect comprehension.
The Japanese system assumes you’ll arrive with basic personal supplies. Evacuation centers provide shelter but limited resources; neighbors organize from the very start.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, during major disasters special measures may be implemented for foreign residents (exceptional extensions of stay, expedited re-entry, etc.).3
The missing document
Plan: I have copies of all my documents neatly filed in alphabetical order.
Reality: Where did I put my passport? It’s so well hidden I forgot where it is.
Tip: A photo of the document on your phone can save you if physical copies get lost.
Technology is an integral part of preparedness in Japan, and there are tools especially helpful for foreign residents.
I’ve found that using the official Safety Tips app together with a Japanese native app (for example, Yahoo!防災速報) offers a good mix of accessible language and speed. The Japanese app often receives alerts a few seconds before many English versions.
Likewise, you should keep an eye on the following websites when you’re out of immediate danger or unsure what’s happening:
Important: All these apps are free. Don’t rely on paid apps that promise “faster alerts”; the official ones are the most reliable.
J-Alert is Japan’s national early-warning system. It activates sirens, community loudspeakers, and cell-broadcast messages. No subscription is required; it works with a Japanese SIM card.5
Symphony of panic
First time you hear J-Alert: Startle and look for a safe spot.
With practice: You check the tone and respond calmly if appropriate.
Note: Don’t ignore alerts; learn the tones and respond according to the risk level.
Although it should be enabled by default, you can check it on your phone:
After years in Japan and several events, I learned that a personalized plan makes the difference. A plan for a central-Tokyo apartment is very different from one for a house on the outskirts of Yokohama.
In small apartments, don’t underestimate agreements with neighbors to share bulky supplies (for example, a large water purifier vs. an emergency stove).
The following points are important when designing your plan:
During a recent quake I discovered that, although I had a complete kit, it was stored behind a door that jammed. A simple drill would have revealed this. Now I spread basic supplies across several easy-access spots.
If you don’t know where to start looking for a kit, the good news is there are plenty of options, from very inexpensive to professional-grade.
Important: September 1 is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan. You’ll see many kits and products; if on a tight budget, start with a basic kit and upgrade over time.
Foreign residents should use technology and community networks to close communication gaps.
Preparedness also becomes part of you. What initially seems unnecessary—memorizing emergency phrases, securing furniture, creating contingency plans—gradually integrates into daily life.
Evolution of the foreign resident
Month 1: Was that an earthquake? WAS THAT AN EARTHQUAKE!?
Year 1: Hmm, 4.5; I’m not getting out of bed.
Year 5: You describe every quake with play-by-play notes of panic.
Today, I no longer see preparedness as something extra but as a natural part of life, like locking the door when you leave. This mental shift may be the most valuable aspect of living in a disaster-aware country.
You’ll know you’ve reached a good level of preparedness when:
I’d love to hear about your experience: have you been through an earthquake, typhoon, or tsunami alert? What worked in your plan, and what would you improve?
If you have specific questions, feel free to ask. My goal is to build a community of foreign residents who support each other through shared knowledge and real-life experience.
Emergency kit list + disaster preparedness + bilingual medical card
Everything you need to be prepared: a supply checklist for your emergency kit, essential Japanese phrases, before-during-after guidance for disasters, and your medical card in Spanish and Japanese for peace of mind and safety.
People sometimes ask me if fear of natural disasters ruins the experience of living in Japan. My answer is that fear decreases when you’re prepared. With your plan, your kit, and your support network, Japan shifts from a “dangerous country” to a “country that teaches resilience.” You’ll carry that resilience with you, even if you leave Japan one day.
Writing this article made me review my own kit and update valuable information that, while daunting, is also calming. It doesn’t matter what you start with; what matters is taking the first step. So that when the moment comes, you’re ready.
How do I know if my apartment is earthquake-resistant?
You can check the building’s 耐震等級 (seismic grade) by asking your realtor or checking your building paperwork. Buildings constructed after 1981 follow stricter standards. You can also look for the building code compliance certificate 建築確認済証, which should be displayed somewhere in the building.
What should I do if I don’t understand emergency announcements in Japanese?
Pay attention to the tone and urgency even if you don’t understand the words. For phone alerts, use quick-translation apps or look for key character patterns: evacuation 避難, warning 警報, and caution 注意報. It’s also helpful to observe locals—if everyone is evacuating, do the same.
Are foreign residents eligible for the same disaster support as Japanese citizens?
Yes. Foreign residents with legal status are entitled to the same emergency support (shelters, supply distribution, urgent medical care). Carry your residence card 在留カード or passport to facilitate access.
How can I find the evacuation center closest to my home?
Most municipalities publish 避難所マップ (evacuation center maps) on their official websites. The “Safety Tips” app also shows nearby centers. Look for the green signs with 避難所 during your daily walks.
Which documents should I keep in my emergency kit?
Copies of your passport, residence card, health insurance, driver’s license (international or Japanese), residence registration, property insurance documents, embassy contact info, translated prescriptions, and an emergency contact list for both Japan and your home country.
How can I explain my medical needs during an emergency with limited Japanese?
Prepare a bilingual medical card with: blood type, allergies, current medication, medical conditions, and specific needs. Learn basic phrases for your situation, e.g., “I have diabetes” 糖尿病です or “I need this medicine” この薬が必要です.
Should I evacuate to my home country after a major disaster?
It depends on the severity of the event, your location, your personal situation, and the recommendations of your embassy. For localized disasters, it’s usually better to stay if your area isn’t severely affected. For catastrophic events, follow official guidance.
