Largest tsunamis Japan 2000-2023, by height

The largest tsunami in Japan since 2000 occurred in 2011 and had a height of around 9.3 meters. The tsunami was caused by the Tohoku earthquake, also known as the Great East Japan Earthquake. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan and led to meltdowns at three reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The damage caused by surging water was more destructive than the earthquake, as it destroyed many Japanese cities and led to the death of over 15 thousand people.

 Japan is vulnerable to natural disasters

Since Japan is situated along the Ring of Fire, an area where several tectonic plates meet, natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently. Furthermore, its oceanic setting makes the archipelago vulnerable to tsunamis when an earthquake occurs below or near the ocean.

 Disaster preparation in Japan

The Japanese government spends a large amount of its disaster risk management budget on disaster prevention. The country invests in disaster prevention systems such as earthquake alert systems in mobile phones, emergency facilities, and evacuation centers, as well as earthquake-resistant buildings, which are designed to move with the quake. Furthermore, participation in natural disaster drills is common and begins in kindergarten. Nevertheless, hundreds of people are reported missing or killed by natural disasters every year.