Catharina Klein
Research expert covering Japan
Natural disasters in Japan - statistics & facts
In Japan, natural disasters occur frequently. Since the archipelago is situated along the Ring of Fire, an area where several tectonic plates meet, it is vulnerable to many natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes, and tsunamis to volcanic eruptions. Many people are reported missing or killed by natural disasters every year. Therefore, the Japanese government invests its disaster prevention budget in disaster prevention systems such as earthquake alert systems, emergency facilities, 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.
Furthermore, there are over 100 active volcanoes situated on the archipelago, which account for around ten percent of active volcanoes worldwide. Mount Fuji, which last erupted in 1707, is the tallest and most famous volcano in Japan. The volcano Sakurajima erupts several hundred times a year, representing one of the most active volcanoes in the country. In addition to intense volcanic activity, major earthquakes occur regularly, making the country vulnerable to tsunamis due to its oceanic setting.
Japan's Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever alert for a possible megaquake along the Nankai Trough in August 2024. The warning was lifted one week later. It has been 78 years since the last major earthquake in that area, and the likelihood of a major earthquake in the next 30 years ranges from 70 to 80 percent. In the event of such a large-scale earthquake, tsunami arrival times could be very short, giving people little time to evacuate.
Overall, due to its geographical setting, natural disasters will remain an issue in Japan. Some natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rainfall might intensify because of global warming. Additionally, Japan is expecting a megaquake to happen within the next three decades. The island nation needs to continue to invest in disaster prevention measures to prepare for such events.
Natural disasters in Japan
In recent years, heavy rain as well as typhoons accounted for the highest costs of damaged facilities. Heavy rain and floods are often caused by typhoons, which regularly hit Japan. The tropical cyclones develop over the Pacific Ocean and are likely to approach the archipelago between July and October, during the peak of the typhoon season. Japan's southernmost prefecture Okinawa gets hit regularly by typhoons, while the northernmost prefecture Hokkaido is the least affected area. Since the number of typhoons increased in recent years, the amount of damage caused by floods grew as well.Furthermore, there are over 100 active volcanoes situated on the archipelago, which account for around ten percent of active volcanoes worldwide. Mount Fuji, which last erupted in 1707, is the tallest and most famous volcano in Japan. The volcano Sakurajima erupts several hundred times a year, representing one of the most active volcanoes in the country. In addition to intense volcanic activity, major earthquakes occur regularly, making the country vulnerable to tsunamis due to its oceanic setting.
The triple disaster in 2011 and expectations of a megaquake
The highest cost of damage caused by natural disasters was recorded in 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. It was one of the strongest earthquakes worldwide according to measurements on the Richter scale. The damage caused by surging water from the resulting tsunami was more destructive than the earthquake itself, as led to the death of over 15 thousand people and caused a meltdown at three reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.Japan's Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever alert for a possible megaquake along the Nankai Trough in August 2024. The warning was lifted one week later. It has been 78 years since the last major earthquake in that area, and the likelihood of a major earthquake in the next 30 years ranges from 70 to 80 percent. In the event of such a large-scale earthquake, tsunami arrival times could be very short, giving people little time to evacuate.
Overall, due to its geographical setting, natural disasters will remain an issue in Japan. Some natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rainfall might intensify because of global warming. Additionally, Japan is expecting a megaquake to happen within the next three decades. The island nation needs to continue to invest in disaster prevention measures to prepare for such events.
