How To Respond To An Earthquake While Travelling In Japan

With the densest seismic network of any country in the world, Japan has the unfortunate honor of being ranked number one for recorded earthquakes. Roughly 20% of the earth’s large earthquakes (magnitude 6+) take place in Japan. For the Japanese, earthquake survival training begins from childhood and is deeply ingrained in the collective conscious of the country. If you happen to experience an earthquake while traveling Japan, follow this guide and do as the locals do.

Stay inside

Your first instinct may be to run outside; do not do this. Running out into the streets puts you in danger of falling signs, glass, air conditioners, and other harmful objects. All buildings in Japan are designed to withstand strong earthquakes, and the likelihood of the building collapsing is very low.

Turn off the gas

In the past, gas leaks caused fires that would ultimately claim more lives than the earthquake itself. Now, all apartment buildings in Japan are designed with easy access to the gas on/off switch. Turn this off as soon as possible.

Keep an open door

During a strong earthquake, doors and windows can become bent and warped, making them impossible to open. Prop the nearest exit door open at the first sign of an earthquake to avoid getting trapped inside.

Find cover

Once the gas is off and the escape route ready, protect yourself by getting under a solid object such as a desk or dinner table.

Avoid falling objects

If you happen to be outside, find cover as soon as possible. It may seem counterproductive to run indoors, but you are far more likely to be hit by falling objects on the street than you are inside a building. Also, be wary of the many vending machines in Japanese cities – they are heavy and can tip over.

Don’t Panic

This may be easier said than done, but the worst thing you can do during an earthquake is to panic and start running. Secure the area (gas and exit door), find a safe place for cover, and wait it out.

About the author

Dave Afshar

Born and raised in (the safe suburbs of) Boston, Dave relocated to Tokyo in 2012 without telling any of his friends or relatives. Just a few short years later he found himself working for a major Japanese university, and his mom and dad eventually forgave him. He likes live music, nightlife, whiskey, and spicy food. He dislikes mayonnaise and slow walkers. Dave keeps a blog on his exploits in Japan at Yabatori.com. It is funny.