What to do in the event of a natural disaster in Japan

Japan is one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters in the world. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions or typhoons: travellers need to know how to react and where to find reliable information to ensure their safety during their stay.

Understanding natural hazards in Japan

The existing dangers in Japan: what to know before you leave

Japan is located on the Pacific Fire Belt, an area of intense tectonic and volcanic activity. This means that he regularly suffers earthquakes, sometimes followed by tsunamis. Typhoon strikes mainly between August and October, accompanied by heavy rains and risks of flooding or landslides. Although the majority of these phenomena do not endanger visitors, it is essential to know how to prepare for them.

Where to get reliable information in English

During a stay in Japan, staying informed is the first protection. Alerts are broadcast via television, radio, city speakers and mobile notifications. However, the majority of these messages are in Japanese. For foreign travellers, there are several options to access clear information in English.

The site ofJapan Meteorological Agencyoffers real-time maps and alerts in several languages. In case of danger, an audible warning will ring on all Japanese phones. Even if you don’t have one, you will hear that of the people around you. Don’t panic: it’s often a preventive warning. Visit the site for more details.

The Japanese National Tourism Office (JNTO) website includes a page “Japan Travel SafeWith downloadable communication cards and a regularly updated Twitter feed (@JapanSafeTravel).

NHK Worldbroadcasts multilingual newsletters on its website. The disaster section ofJapan Timesalso offers up-to-date information in English.

Useful disaster applications

Several applications facilitate access to vital information in an emergency:

Yurekuru Call: seismic alerts with advice in English.
Pocket Shelter: notifications of earthquakes and tsunamis, location of nearby shelters.
Safety Tips,Japan Travel by NAVITIME,Japan Official Travel App: weather warnings and multilingual evacuation information.
NERV: earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption and emergency warnings, as well as weather-related disaster prevention information.
J-ALERT(via NHK World): official warnings on earthquakes, eruptions, missiles.

These apps are available on iOS and Android. It is recommended to install them before or upon arrival in Japan.

Message system 171

Thesystem 171allows to leave or view voice messages in the event of a disaster. It is a useful service to find relatives or report their situation. It only works in Japanese, but translated guides exist in English, Chinese and Korean. You can save a message with your name, health status and location. Anyone who knows your number can listen to this message.

Identify evacuation areas

Upon arrival, locate evacuation signs in public places or your accommodation. These panels often display a green pictogram of a fugitive, sometimes accompanied by icons representing the dangers: waves (tsunami), building that collapses (earthquake), rising water (flooding). Shelters are often located in school gymnasiums, community centres, parks or temples.

If you do not find the place of refuge, simply ask: “Hinanjō wa dokodeu ka?”. If the majority of passers-by go to the same place, they are likely to go to a shelter. Follow them until you locate a sign or reach an evacuation centre.

Responding to an earthquake or tsunami

Japan suffers more than 1500 shocks a year. Most are minor, but in case of a major earthquake:

If you areInside, get away from the windows and shelter under a table or in a door frame.
Don’t take the elevator.
If you areOutsideavoid trees, windows, vending machines or objects that may fall.

In case of risk oftsunami, reach a high terrain as soon as possible, away from the coasts and rivers. Advertisements on speakers (even in Japanese) usually signal the urgency of evacuating. If you’re not sure, follow the premises.

In case of volcanic eruption

Japan has over 100 active volcanoes. Hiking or near a volcano:

Protect your head from falling stones.
Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling gas or ash.
Stay close to shelters on marked trails.

Volcanic alerts are also issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency, ranging from 1 (low risk) to 5 (anticipant or ongoing eruption).

Manage typhoon or floods

Onetyphoonis similar to a hurricane. Even the weakest can cause damage. During this period:

Avoid outdoor activities.
Stay inside, away from steep rivers or slopes.
Enter all your personal effects to avoid them becoming projectiles.
Check your weather app or official alerts regularly.

Sudden floods are also common: never attempt to cross a river in flood, even shallow.

Things to keep on your own in case of emergency

Even if you don’t wear an emergency kit, always keep at hand:

Your passport in an airtight plastic bag
Cash
A bottle of water
Energy snacks
Your medicines and prescriptions
A mobile phone charger
Medical information sheet
Light raincoat

These objects take up little space and can help you cope with the early hours of an emergency.

Contact your embassy

In case of specific need – passport theft, accident, death, hospitalization – your embassy or consulate can assist you. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists all diplomatic representations in Japan. Please note the contact details of your embassy prior to your departure.

Embassy of France in Japan:03-5798-6000(local call) /+81 3 57 98 60 00(international appeal)

General Consulate of Kyoto:075-761-2988(local call) /+81 75 761 29 88(international appeal)

Travelling to Japan involves increased awareness of natural hazards, but also exceptional access to advanced warning systems, clear guidelines and a rigorous public organization. With minimal preparation and good responsiveness, a traveller can cope with emergency situations with cold blood and efficiency.

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