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Maybe you’re reading this article because of all the noise being made about the approaching Great Nankai earthquake (the probability of it happening in the next 30 years has increased to 80%) or perhaps due to the Fukushima tsunami, and no matter the reason, what’s important is that you’re prepared for these types of common disasters that occur in Japan.
Since Japan has approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year, yet it has one of the lowest natural disaster mortality rates in the world.1 The difference between safety and danger often comes down to preparation — according to a recent Tokyo Metropolitan Government survey, only 47% of foreign residents have an emergency plan, compared to 72% of Japanese residents.2
When I arrived in Japan, I felt the first earthquake of my life within a week, I was taking classes at my university and tried to follow what my classmates were doing but at that moment, I realized how vulnerable I was for not being 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. That’s why I understand if you’re in a similar situation or worried about how you’d handle a natural disaster in Japan.
Expectation vs Reality
Expectation: ‘I’ll maintain Japanese zen calm and follow protocol perfectly’.
Reality: Your brain invents a new language while you hug the first thing you see.
Foreign residents face a triple challenge during disasters in Japan due to language barriers during emergency communications, unfamiliarity with local protocols, and not knowing many people. Disaster preparation is needed more than ever because Japan’s foreign population reached over 3.4 million in 2024, an 11% increase from 20233 and climate events are becoming increasingly extreme due to climate change.
Disaster preparedness in Japan goes far beyond having some supplies on hand — it’s deeply integrated into the infrastructure, education, and community response in ways that may seem excessive to newcomers.
But it’s totally understandable since Japan’s reality is that it sits at a node of seismic, oceanic, and climatic activity that makes it particularly vulnerable.
The most recent Noto earthquake of January 1, 2024 has been a wake-up call for many, especially foreigners who witnessed it as many didn’t understand the initial alerts. This disaster marked a before and after in protocols for foreigners. Japan implemented significant changes, including the new Nankai Trough alert system that was activated for the first time on August 8, 2024. And, as I mentioned at the beginning, there’s an estimated 80% probability of a Mega Earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 in the next 30 years. For us foreigners, the good news is that these alerts now include specific instructions in multiple languages.
It’s important to note that we need to prepare not only for earthquakes, but also when a typhoon or tsunami approaches. For example, while locals almost automatically secure objects and seal windows, many foreigners have told me they didn’t even know where to start. This disconnect between local and foreign preparation is dangerously common.
A comment that stuck with me to this day is: We prepare together because we survive together — this community approach contrasts markedly with the common individualism we experience in many Western cultures.
And, one of the first steps you should take to be prepared is to check essential government sites:
Once you’re familiar with these sites, in this article I’ll talk a bit about the most common disasters in Japan which are earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis but mainly what to do and how to prepare for when they occur.
Earthquakes are the most unpredictable disasters in Japan, capable of occurring literally at any moment without warning. For example, the first thing I did was run out to the streets but seeing no one outside, I realized that the Japanese remained in their homes and first protected themselves under tables, assessed the situation, and then evacuated. But they do this almost automatically since they’ve done drills since they were very young. And, that’s what we lack: preparing for any type of disaster.
Moment of Truth
If your first instinct was to record the quake for TikTok, you’re not alone. But please, survive first, go viral later.
The first 72 hours are critical. Expect frequent aftershocks, network congestion, and possible service outages. Use the 171 service (災害用伝言ダイヤル) for emergency messages. Emergency Wi-Fi points will activate with the signal ‘00000JAPAN’.
If earthquakes are nature’s pop quiz, typhoons are the final project you know is coming but still procrastinate on. Let’s move from the unpredictable to the inevitable with typhoons since unlike earthquakes, typhoons generally come with several days’ warning, giving you time to prepare adequately. However, their destructive power shouldn’t be underestimated — they’ve left neighborhoods without electricity for three days.
Expectation vs Reality with your Emergency Kit
Expectation: Organized kit with 72 hours of essential supplies.
Reality: 3 packs of ramen, 47 KitKats, and a flashlight without batteries.
Plot twist: The KitKats end up being the most useful for post-disaster trading.
Did you know that in Japan, exterior apartment doors usually open inward? During a typhoon with heavy rain, water can accumulate against your door. Keep towels and absorbents available to deal with this, as apartment flooding can occur due to this simple architectural reality.
Typhoon Wisdom
Rookie: ‘It’s just heavy rain’.
Veteran: Already bought 3 days of cup noodles and filled the bathtub.
Legendary: Has mahjong game scheduled at the shelter.
Urban rivers in Japan can overflow surprisingly quickly. Areas with 谷 (valley) in place names like Shibuya, which means ‘Shibu River valley’ are particularly flood-prone.
A tip after a severe typhoon: supply chains in Japan can be seriously affected, causing temporary shortages of food and basic supplies. Always replenish your provisions immediately after a typhoon passes.
Tsunamis represent perhaps the most lethal threat of natural disasters in Japan, as tragically demonstrated by the 2011 event. And for foreigners living near coastal areas, understanding this specific risk is fundamental for survival.
The first thing you should do when moving to a coastal city is identify evacuation routes marked with blue tsunami signs and take note of how long it would take you to reach elevated ground from your home and from your local train station. This simple exercise will give you immense peace of mind.
Moment of Clarity
Tourist: ‘Wow, the sea receded! Let’s go see!’
Informed resident: Already running uphill.
Lesson: If the ocean does something weird, don’t be curious, be Usain Bolt.
Three minutes
That’s less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. That’s why in coastal areas, the rule is simple: earthquake + coast = run first, think later.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the survival rate for those who evacuated within 10 minutes of the earthquake during the 2011 tsunami was significantly higher than for those who delayed.5 This underscores the critical importance of immediate action.
The challenges we foreigners face during emergencies in Japan are different from those faced by local residents. Through conversations with hundreds of international residents, I’ve identified specific patterns of difficulties that we can overcome with adequate preparation.
According to 2024 data, foreigners are 3 times more likely to suffer injuries during earthquakes due to lack of preparation, compared to Japanese residents. Effective mental preparation makes a big difference. After my first major earthquake, I spent several days in a constant state of anxiety. Over time, I developed a more balanced approach, reminding myself that being prepared gave me control over the situation.
Information in English generally arrives delayed during emergencies. Translation services may be saturated or unavailable. Critical alerts are issued first (or only) in Japanese.
When a significant earthquake occurred in 2023, it took almost an hour before detailed information appeared in English, while Japanese received immediate updates. That’s why it’s better to configure all alerts to receive them in Japanese, even if you don’t understand everything — speed matters more than perfect comprehension.
Tower of Babel
Japanese from speaker: ‘緊急事態が発生しました…’
Your mental translation: ‘Emergency? Party? Special sale?’
Solution: Follow the crowd and run in the same direction.
The Japanese system assumes you’ll be prepared with basic personal supplies. Evacuation centers provide shelter but minimal resources. Neighbors are expected to help each other before official help arrives. The Japanese system assumes you’ll understand established routines without need for detailed explanations.
A little-known fact: according to the Immigration Services Agency, during major disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake, immigration offices may implement special measures for affected foreigners, including exceptional extensions of stay periods and expedited processing of re-entry permits.9
The Lost Document
Plan: ‘I have copies of everything organized alphabetically’.
Earthquake reality: ‘Where did I put my passport? It’s hidden in my bedroom drawer!’
Tip: A photo on your phone is worth more than a thousand lost copies.
Technology has become an integral part of disaster preparedness in Japan, and there are tools specifically designed to help foreign residents.
A personal tip: I’ve found that simultaneously using the official Safety Tips app (oriented toward foreigners) and the Yahoo! 防災速報 app (native Japanese) offers the best combination of accessible language and alert speed. The Japanese app always receives alerts several seconds before the English versions, and those seconds can be critical.
Important: All these apps are free. Don’t fall for paid apps that promise ‘faster alerts’ – the official ones are the most reliable. Safety Tips takes about 50MB and works offline for basic information.
The J-Alert system is Japan’s national early warning system. It automatically activates sirens, community speakers, and messages to cell phones. It doesn’t require subscription or registration; it works on all phones with Japanese SIM.
Symphony of Panic
First time J-Alert sounds: Mini heart attack + search for nuclear shelter.
Sixth time: ‘Oh, another missile, let me finish my coffee’.
Note: Never ignore alerts, but do learn to differentiate the tones.
After years living in Japan and experiencing various disasters, I’ve learned that a personalized plan makes all the difference. The most important aspect I’ve discovered is the need to adapt this plan to your specific location. A plan for an apartment in central Tokyo is completely different from a plan for a house in the outskirts of Yokohama.
A tip I learned from experience: in Japan, where apartments are small, don’t underestimate the value of agreements with neighbors to share certain bulky supplies. You can arrange with your neighbor for them to keep a large water purifier while you store a bulkier emergency stove that can be shared, for example.
Amazon Prime doesn’t work
Day 1 post-earthquake: ‘I’ll order supplies from Amazon’.
Reality: No internet, no deliveries, no konbini open.
Moral: Your emergency kit can’t be virtual.
During a recent earthquake, I realized that although I had a complete emergency kit, I had stored it in a closet with a door that stuck when the structure moved. A simple drill would have revealed this critical problem. Since then, I keep basic supplies in multiple easily accessible locations.
The truth about emergency kits
Week 1: ‘My kit is perfectly organized with labels’-
Month 6: ‘Why is there melted chocolate stuck to my flashlight?’
Year 2: ‘My kit is 40% snacks, 30% dead batteries, and 30% hope’.
If you don’t know where to start your search for an emergency kit, the good news is there are tons of options, from super cheap ones to professional kits that’ll prepare you for the apocalypse.
Important: Best months to buy are January to February but avoid March to May and June to October (disaster seasons = higher prices). If you’re on a tight budget, start with a basic kit from 100円 stores and gradually add better quality items.
Throughout this comprehensive journey on disaster preparedness in Japan, we’ve explored essential strategies to keep you safe. Foreigners face unique challenges during emergencies, technological tools and community networks can close important gaps, and adaptation to your personal situation is essential.
Over time, disaster preparedness becomes second nature in Japan. What initially seems unnecessary like memorizing emergency phrases, securing furniture, creating multiple contingency plans and a list of things, gradually integrates into your daily life.
Evolution of the Foreign Resident
Month 1: ‘Was that an earthquake? WAS THAT AN EARTHQUAKE?!’
Year 1: ‘Hmm, 4.5? Not even getting out of bed’.
Year 5: Rating earthquakes like a sommelier: ‘A robust tremor with notes of initial panic and a persistent finish of dizziness’.
Today, I no longer see disaster preparedness as something ‘extra’ but as a natural part of life, similar to locking the door when leaving. This mental adaptation is perhaps the most valuable aspect of living in such a disaster-conscious country.
Something important to keep in mind is that you’ll know you’ve reached an adequate level of preparation when:
I’d love to hear your own experiences with disasters in Japan or your questions about preparation. Have you experienced an earthquake, typhoon, or tsunami alert? What worked in your plan and what needs improvement?
If you have specific questions I didn’t cover in this article, don’t hesitate to ask. My goal is to create a community of foreigners where we can support each other through shared knowledge and real experiences.
And to help in some way, I’ve created a free downloadable plan:
Emergency kit checklist + disaster preparation + bilingual medical card
Everything you need to be prepared: supply list or what you should have in your emergency kit, essential Japanese phrases, preparation before, during and after disasters and your medical card in English and Japanese to give you peace of mind and safety.
Sometimes people ask me if fear of natural disasters ruins the experience of living in Japan. My answer is always that fear only exists when you’re not prepared. Once you have your plan, your kit, and your support network, Japan transforms from ‘dangerous country’ to ‘country that teaches you resilience’. And that resilience you’ll carry with you forever, even if you someday leave these islands.
備えあれば憂いなし – If you’re prepared, there’s no worry.
And writing this article made me review my own emergency kit and learn valuable information that is scary but also calming. Tell me in the comments what was the first thing you put in your kit.
It doesn’t matter if your kit has KitKats or protein bars. What matters is that you take that first step. That when that moment comes (and let’s hope it never does), you can say: ‘I’m ready’.
How do I know if my apartment building is earthquake-resistant?
You can verify the 耐震等級 (seismic classification) of your building by asking your real estate agent or checking your apartment’s important documents. Buildings constructed after 1981 follow stricter standards. You can also look for the 建築確認済証 (building code compliance certificate) which should be somewhere visible in the building.
What should I do if I don’t understand emergency announcements in Japanese?
Pay attention to tone and urgency even if you don’t understand the words. For alerts on your phone, use quick translation apps or look for key character patterns: 避難 (evacuation), 警報 (warning), 注意報 (caution). It’s also helpful to follow local behavior. If everyone is evacuating, you should do the same.
Are foreigners eligible for the same disaster support as Japanese citizens?
Yes, legal foreign residents have the right to the same emergency support as Japanese citizens. This includes access to evacuation centers, supply distribution, emergency medical care, and recovery assistance. Make sure to carry your residence card 在留カード or passport to facilitate access to these services.
How can I find the nearest evacuation center to my home?
Most municipalities publish evacuation center maps (避難所マップ) on their official websites. You can also download the ‘Safety tips’ app which shows nearby evacuation centers. A practical way is to look for green signs with characters 避難所 during your daily walks.
What documents should I keep in my emergency kit?
Keep copies (preferably waterproof) of your passport, residence card, health insurance, international/Japanese driver’s license, housing registration, property insurance documents, embassy contact information, translated medical prescriptions, and an emergency contact list from both Japan and your home country.
How do I explain my medical needs during an emergency with limited Japanese?
Prepare in advance a bilingual medical card that includes: your blood type, allergies, current medications, medical conditions, and specific needs. Learn basic phrases that help depending on your situation like ‘I have diabetes’ 糖尿病です or ‘I need this medication’ この薬が必要です.
Should I evacuate to my home country after a major disaster?
It depends on several factors: the severity of the disaster, your specific location, your personal situation, and your embassy’s recommendations. For localized disasters like typhoons or moderate earthquakes, it’s generally better to remain in Japan if your area isn’t directly affected. For large-scale catastrophic events, follow your embassy’s recommendations.
