Japan earthquake preparedness expats need urgently in 2026 — the April 20 M7.7 Iwate quake and the constant Nankai Trough threat make this non-negotiable. This complete guide covers Japan earthquake preparedness for expats: what to do during and after a quake, essential apps, go-bag checklist, building safety ratings, and how to find your evacuation route in Tokyo.
Japan earthquake preparedness expats: what to do DURING a quake
- Drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table — the most important Japan earthquake preparedness expats step
- Hold on until shaking completely stops
- Stay inside — do NOT run outside during shaking. Falling glass and debris are the main danger.
- Stay away from windows, bookshelves, and heavy furniture
- If in the kitchen, turn off the stove if safe to do so
- On the street: move away from buildings, utility poles, and vending machines immediately
- On public transport: hold on firmly — Japanese trains are designed to stop safely
Japan earthquake preparedness expats: what to do AFTER a quake
- Check for gas leaks — if you smell gas, open windows, do not touch switches, and evacuate immediately
- Check walls and ceilings for structural damage before moving through the building
- Do not use elevators after any Japan earthquake — use stairs only
- If a tsunami warning is issued, evacuate to high ground immediately — never wait to see the water
- Open Safety Tips or NHK World app for English emergency information
- Contact family via NTT disaster message board (dial 171) if regular calls fail
What is J-Alert and why Japan earthquake preparedness expats need it
J-Alert is Japan’s national emergency alert system — it sends warnings to mobile phones seconds before strong shaking arrives. Japan earthquake preparedness expats must understand that a Japanese SIM is required to receive J-Alert automatically. Foreign phones on tourist SIMs may not receive J-Alert unless the SIM is registered in Japan. Using a Japanese SIM from Docomo, SoftBank, au, or an MVNO provider ensures full J-Alert coverage — a critical Japan earthquake preparedness expats safety measure.
Japan earthquake preparedness expats: essential apps to download now
- Safety Tips — Japan Tourism Agency. Free, multilingual. The number one Japan earthquake preparedness expats app for English alerts.
- NHK World — Free English emergency broadcasts and real-time disaster news from Japan’s public broadcaster.
- Yurekuru Call — Localised earthquake early warning customised to your exact Japan location.
- JMA app — Official Japan Meteorological Agency earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts.
- Your ward office app — Search your ward name plus 防災 (bosai) for localised evacuation notifications.
Is your apartment building safe? Japan earthquake preparedness expats building guide
A critical Japan earthquake preparedness expats question is building safety. Japan’s Building Standards Act was significantly revised in 1981 (new seismic standard, shin-taishin) and again in 2000. Buildings constructed after 1981 are considered earthquake-safe and designed to prevent collapse. Buildings from after 2000 meet even stricter standards. If your apartment was built before 1981 (kyu-taishin), ask your landlord if the building has been seismically retrofitted and request the inspection certificate. Modern Tokyo high-rise condominiums typically use seishin (vibration damping) or menshin (base isolation) technology for the highest Japan earthquake preparedness expats safety performance.
Japan earthquake preparedness expats: complete go-bag checklist
Every expat needs a go-bag ready for Japan earthquake preparedness. Keep it by your front door and refresh it every six months.
- Water — 2 litres per person per day for at least 3 days — Japan earthquake preparedness expats minimum
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Copies of passport, residence card, My Number card, insurance card
- Cash ¥20,000–30,000 in small bills — ATMs fail in earthquakes
- Portable phone charger fully charged
- First aid kit plus 7-day prescription medications
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Emergency blanket and change of clothes with sturdy shoes
- Whistle to signal if trapped
- Printed hazard map showing your evacuation route
How to find your evacuation point — Japan earthquake preparedness expats guide
Every ward publishes a hazard map for Japan earthquake preparedness. Visit bosai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp and enter your address to download your ward map. Know your temporary evacuation area (一時避難場所) and your primary evacuation centre (避難所). Walk the route in daylight now. Also check the Japan Meteorological Agency earthquake monitoring page for real-time seismic data.
Japan earthquake preparedness expats — face it together
TIFE members include long-term Tokyo residents who lived through the 2011 3/11 quake. Community knowledge is one of the best Japan earthquake preparedness expats resources. Join 35,000+ members at 50+ monthly events.
See TIFE Events →Japan earthquake preparedness expats — quick reference
- During quake: Drop, cover, hold. Stay inside. Japan earthquake preparedness expats rule number one.
- After quake: Check gas, use stairs not elevators, get info from NHK World or Safety Tips
- Tsunami warning: Evacuate to high ground immediately — no waiting
- J-Alert: Requires Japanese SIM — tourist SIMs may not receive alerts
- Building safety: Post-1981 is safe standard. Post-2000 is best. Pre-1981 check for retrofit.
- Find evacuation point: bosai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp plus your address
- Essential apps: Safety Tips, NHK World, Yurekuru Call, JMA
- Go-bag: Water, food, documents, cash, charger, meds, flashlight — by your front door today
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