Japan has an earthquake every 5 minutes. In 2024, the Noto Peninsula earthquake killed 703 people. In April 2026, a 7.4-magnitude quake struck off the Sanriku coast. The government predicts a 70% chance of a direct hit on Tokyo within 30 years — and an 80% chance of a Nankai Trough megaquake that could kill 290,000 people.
Most foreigners living in or visiting Japan have no idea what to do. This guide fixes that — in plain English.
• Japan: ~1,500 earthquakes per year (M4+)
• Noto Peninsula earthquake (Jan 1, 2024): 703 deaths
• Tokyo: 70% chance of M7+ earthquake within 30 years
• Nankai Trough: 80% chance of M8-8.5 megaquake — projected 290,000 deaths
• Foreign-bought phones do NOT automatically receive Japan’s emergency alerts
Before an Earthquake: Prepare Now (Not Later)
The Emergency Kit You Actually Need
Japanese emergency guidelines recommend a 72-hour kit minimum. Here’s what to pack:
- Water: 4 liters per person per day × 3 days = 12 liters minimum
- Food: Non-perishable items (energy bars, canned goods, instant noodles)
- Documents: Passport, residence card, My Number card copies in waterproof bag
- Medications: 30-day supply of any prescriptions
- Cash: ¥30,000–50,000 in small bills (ATMs may be down)
- Portable toilet bags: Essential for shelter life — Japanese evacuation centers expect you to bring your own
- Flashlight + battery bank: Power outages are common after major quakes
- Warm clothing: Gym floors are cold, especially in winter
Keep your bag near the front door. You may have 30 seconds to grab it.
The Apps That Could Save Your Life
Critical: if your phone wasn’t bought in Japan, it will NOT automatically receive earthquake alerts. Japanese J-Alert uses a satellite-based system incompatible with international phones. Install these now:
- Safety Tips (by JNTO) — 15 languages, government-backed, covers earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons
- NERV Disaster Prevention App — fastest real-time warnings in Japan, English UI available
- Yurekuru Call — 5 million users, direct JMA data, 10–120 second advance warning
- NHK World App — delivers J-Alert in English
Install at least 2 of these. Enable push notifications. Grant location permissions.
Register With Your Embassy
Most embassies offer emergency SMS alerts for registered citizens. The U.S. Embassy Japan, British Embassy, and Canadian Embassy all have emergency registration systems. It takes 5 minutes. Do it before you need it.
Know Your Evacuation Route
Search “[your area] 避難所” (evacuation shelter) on your city’s website. Tokyo residents can check tokyo.lg.jp. Bookmark it offline.
During an Earthquake: Drop. Cover. Hold On.
When shaking starts, forget everything except three words: Drop. Cover. Hold On.
- DROP to your hands and knees immediately
- COVER — get under a sturdy table, or protect your head and neck with your arms if no cover is available. Stay away from windows.
- HOLD ON — stay in position until shaking completely stops. Do not run outside.
| Where You Are | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Indoors | Drop, cover under table. Stay away from windows and kitchen appliances. |
| Outdoors | Move away from buildings and power lines. Drop and protect your head. |
| In a car | Pull over slowly. Stay in the car with seatbelt on. Avoid overpasses. |
| On a train | Hold railings. Trains stop automatically. Follow staff instructions. |
| In an elevator | Press all floor buttons. Exit at first available floor. Never use elevators after quakes. |
Understanding the Alert Sound
Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning (緊急地震速報) gives you 5–30 seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives. You’ll hear a distinctive alarm from your phone, TV, and public speakers. When you hear it, act immediately — don’t wait to feel the shaking.
After an Earthquake: The First 72 Hours
Immediate Steps (First 30 Minutes)
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Apply first aid if needed.
- Check for gas leaks — smell gas? Open windows, don’t flip any switches, leave immediately.
- Turn on your emergency apps for updates and tsunami warnings.
- Text rather than call — networks get overloaded, texts usually get through.
- Charge your phone if power is still on.
Finding an Evacuation Shelter
Japan’s system has two phases: Evacuation Site (避難場所) — an open area safe from fire and structural collapse — and Evacuation Shelter (避難所) — an indoor facility (usually a school gymnasium) for multi-day stays. Official shelters accept all residents regardless of nationality. Show your residence card and follow others.
Reality Check: What Shelters Are Like
No sugarcoating: Japanese evacuation shelters are spartan.
- Hard gymnasium floors with thin mats
- 600+ people in a single gym is normal after a major quake
- Cardboard privacy partitions between families
- Meals are compressed emergency biscuits and bottled water
- Portable toilets become overwhelmed quickly
Multilingual support staff are available at major shelters in urban areas, but availability varies. The Safety Tips app has shelter-finding functionality in 15 languages.
Emergency Japanese Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the shelter? | 避難所はどこですか？ | Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? |
| I need help | 助けてください | Tasukete kudasai |
| I am injured | 怪我をしています | Kega wo shite imasu |
| Does anyone speak English? | 英語を話せる人はいますか？ | Eigo wo hanaseru hito wa imasu ka? |
| Call an ambulance | 救急車を呼んでください | Kyukyusha wo yonde kudasai |
Emergency numbers: Police 110 | Ambulance & Fire 119
Bottom Line: Should You Be Worried?
Japan is the safest earthquake-prone country on Earth. The building codes are world-class (post-1981 buildings are extremely resilient), the early warning system is the most advanced globally, and emergency services are highly trained. Most earthquakes you experience will rattle your coffee cup, not your life.
But preparedness is what separates “scary story” from “tragedy.” Download the apps today. Pack a kit this weekend. Register with your embassy. It takes 3 hours total and could save your life.
