All About Japan

All About Earthquakes in Japan

Japan has thousands of earthquakes every year, which can be scary if you don't know what to expect! Learn all about earthquakes in Japan, including how to prepare and what to do when it happens.

How to Prepare for a Huge Earthquake in Japan

While sightseeing in Japan, international travelers had better be prepared for earthquakes, which are frequent in the country. This article offers our top tips for preparing for any earthquakes, big or small.

Violin Made from Iwate's 'Miracle Pine Tree'

A violin made from the lone pine tree that survived the March 2011 tsunami in Iwate Prefecture is featured at a memorial concert held in Tokyo on the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

A Walk Through Sendai to Remember

Following the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the residents of Sendai are standing on their feet once again and ready to share the lessons they've learned about disaster prevention and preparation.

Making Broken Pottery Look Like New

This volunteer craftsman is traveling to Kumamoto to help repair earthquake-damaged family heirlooms free of charge.

Rikuzentakata: Where Dreams Go Global

Let's look at how the city of Rikuzentakata is being rebuilt in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 as the city works toward the dream of becoming a truly global community.

Getting Back on Track With Disaster Prevention

Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tohoku region sustained a substantial amount of damage from the tsunami. However, in a tremendous effort to educate the locals and visitors on prevention, Sanriku Railway is running a recovery train.

Time-Lapse of Recovery: Ofunato

This time-lapse video of Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, helps show how far Tohoku has come in its recovery efforts, and how far it still has to come.

Artist Onogawa's 1-Centimeter-Wide Origami

Naoki Onogawa is sending up a tribute to the survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami with his incredibly tiny origami prayer cranes.

A Reunion 9 Years After Tohoku Earthquake

Nine years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, and Japan is still on the road to recovery. But one grieving couple found some comfort in the rubble.

These Traditional Dolls Are Earthquake Ready

As one kokeshi doll workshop's owners began cleaning up their shop, a flash of genius stuck them: why not equip their topple-prone traditional dolls with lights that can be used in case of future earthquakes?

Memorializing March 11 Victims in Mandala Art

Artist Yuri Shimojo turned a way to deal with the pain of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami into peace-filled art with her "Memonto Mori" series of mandala-like paintings.

A Beacon of Light Shines at Arahama Elementary

When tragedy struck Japan on March 11, 2011, one elementary school in Sendai stood strong, becoming a symbol of hope for the entire nation.

Don't Be Surprised by Japan, Be Prepared!

Japan is full of many surprises and challenges that might catch you off guard during your first time here. But, we're here to give you a quick overview of how to prepare for your new life here.

Tasting the Future of Tohoku

As the cities along the Tohoku Pacific Coast are debating the best ways to move forward with rebuilding and prevention, one thing is for sure: reconstruction has seen the seafood industry rebound, allowing lots of unique local flavors to make a comeback.

Meet Me in Minamisanriku for Fresh Food & Art

The coastal city of Minamisanriku has come a long way since 2011. Join us as we learn about the area, and the road to recovery.

¥100 Items You Need for a Preparedness Kit

Thanks to ¥100 shops, you can be prepared for a natural disaster even with a modest budget.

Delivering Warm Wishes One Beef Bowl at a Time

Two of Japan's biggest beef bowl chain restaurants provide free comfort food in the wake of the Kumamoto earthquakes.

How About a Dome House?

While Japanese builders have had more than a millennium of practice in designing earthquake-resistant structures, the dome house presents a new option—using an unlikely building material.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2017

While September 11 is a tragic day in America, it’s not a fortunate day on this side of the Pacific either. September 11, 2017, marked six and a half years since the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. So how does the area look now?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
know-before-you-go