Moving to Japan is exciting, but the country’s well‑known earthquakes and tsunamis can also feel intimidating—especially when everything, from warnings to building codes, is new to you. This guide sets out practical, easy‑to‑follow steps so international students can replace fear with confidence and focus on enjoying campus life.

Japan’s Natural Hazards—Know Your Opponent

Why does Japan shake so often? The archipelago sits on four tectonic plates, making moderate tremors an everyday fact of life. Yet Japan’s fatality rates stay low thanks to rigorous building standards and a nationwide culture of preparedness (Business Insider). Universities also publish multilingual safety pages, such as the University of Tokyo’s Disaster Prevention site, so you never have to start from scratch.

Key natural threats

  • Earthquakes: 1,500+ per year—most are harmless shakes, some are serious.
  • Tsunamis: Rare but fast. Coastal towns have blue evacuation signs—memorize them.
  • Typhoons & Floods: Peak Aug–Oct. Heavy rain can trigger landslides; stay alert to local advisories.

Prepare Before Disaster Strikes

Build your go‑bag

Temple University’s checklist (TUJ Emergency Site) and the Japan Times’ tips (Japan Times Guide) recommend at least three days’ supplies. The table below summarizes essentials.

ItemPurpose
Bottled water (3 L)Min. hydration for 72 h
Non‑perishable foodEasy energy—cans, bars
Portable chargerKeep phone & translation apps alive
Flashlight & spare batteriesPower outages happen
Copies of passport & residence cardProof of identity at shelters
Prescription meds + maskHealth first

Stay informed

Download the Safety Tips app (Japan Times report) for English alerts, and follow the Japan Meteorological Agency’s real‑time maps (JMA Map). For deeper reading, JMA’s illustrated guide (PDF) explains warning levels step by step.

What to be mindful of

  • Mark two evacuation routes: one on‑campus, one from home.
  • Practice short Japanese phrases (e.g., “Jishin desu!” = “Earthquake!”) for quick communication.
  • Secure tall furniture with safety straps—landlords allow it, and kits are cheap.

Daily Habits for Safer Living

Secure your space

Even a Level 4 jolt can topple bookshelves. Use L‑shaped metal brackets or tension poles (Japan Times commentary) to keep furniture upright.

Know exit routes

Government surveys show that students who walk their escape paths once remember them 60 % better (JMA Journal study). Put “evacuation drill” on your calendar at the start of every term.

When the Ground Moves—Stay Calm, Act Fast

Drop, Cover, Hold On

Get under a sturdy desk, cover your head, and hold a leg of the desk until the shaking ends. Do run outside; most injuries come from falling signboards and glass.

If you are near the coast

A strong or long‑lasting quake is your cue to immediately head for higher ground. Tsunami waves can arrive in under 10 minutes—faster than official sirens (JMA guide).

If a disaster actually happens

  • Follow campus or municipal staff instructions at shelters—English signs are posted, but volunteers can help translate.
  • Use social media check‑in or embassy hotlines to tell family you’re safe.
  • Keep receipts for any emergency spending; many insurers reimburse them later.

After the Shaking Stops—Recovery & Resilience

Check in and communicate

Gather in designated open areas while officials inspect buildings. Power and Wi‑Fi may be down; keep your phone on battery‑saving mode and rely on battery‑powered radios if possible.

Support each other

Mental stress is common after quakes. Most universities offer free counseling, and multilingual volunteers visit shelters within 24 hours. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; helping hands are a Japanese tradition.

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