Over 80% in Japan believe a major disaster ....Are You Prepared?
A Major Disaster Could Happen Anytime
Emergency Preparedness Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan
Recent surveys show that over 80% of people in Japan believe a major disaster could occur in the near future.
Living in a country prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural events, being prepared is not optional—it’s essential.
If you are a foreign resident in Japan, this guide will help you understand what to prepare and how to respond.
Why Disaster Preparedness Matters in Japan
Japan frequently experiences:
Earthquakes (地震 / Jishin)
Typhoons (台風 / Taifū)
Flooding and landslides
Occasional tsunami risks in coastal areas
Unlike many countries, emergency systems in Japan move very fast—but instructions are often in Japanese.
➡️ Preparation reduces confusion and risk.
What Should Be in Your Emergency Bag (非常持ち出し袋)
You should prepare a grab-and-go bag that can support you for at least 2–3 days.
Essentials:
💧 Water (at least 1–2 liters per person per day)
🍞 Non-perishable food (energy bars, canned food)
🔦 Flashlight + extra batteries
📱 Mobile phone charger / power bank
📻 Portable radio
😷 Masks and basic hygiene items
🩹 First aid kit
Must carry / waterproof pouch:
Residence Card (在留カード) - copy
Passport - copy
Health Insurance Card (健康保険証) - copy
My Number Card (if available)
Bank book / cash cards
Emergency contacts (written, not just phone)
Smart tip :
👉 Take photos + store in cloud + offline access
👉 Put physical copies in a ziplock waterproof bag
🏠 How to Prepare at Home
Secure furniture (to prevent falling during earthquakes)
Identify safe spots (under sturdy tables, away from glass)
Know your nearest evacuation center (避難所 / Hinanjo)
Keep emergency contacts written down (not just on your phone)
🚨 What To Do During an Earthquake
Stay calm — do not run immediately
Protect your head and get under a sturdy table
Stay away from windows and falling objects
After shaking stops:
Turn off gas if safe
Check exits before leaving
➡️ Elevators should NOT be used
🌧️ During Typhoons or Flooding
⚠️ Typhoons Are Often Underestimated in Japan
Many people think “it’s just heavy rain” — but flooding and landslides are the real danger.
Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary
Supermarkets may run out of food → prepare 1–2 days of groceries
Trains and work may stop → plan your schedule early
Stay indoors once warnings increase
🚨 What You MUST Do
Monitor weather alerts constantly (phone notifications ON)
Charge all devices before the storm hits
Prepare for power outages (lights, batteries)
Keep water + food ready
Move to higher floors if flooding risk increases👉 “Vertical evacuation” can save your life
📱 Useful Apps for Foreign Residents
Consider installing:
Safety tips app (by Japan Tourism Agency)
NHK World (English news updates)
Yahoo! Disaster Alert (can be set to simple Japanese)
These apps provide real-time alerts and multilingual support.
🧭 Language Barrier: A Real Risk
Many evacuation instructions, announcements, and shelters operate primarily in Japanese.
💡 Prepare key phrases in advance:
“Where is the evacuation center?” - Hinanjo wa doko desu ka?
“I need help” - Tasukete kudasai
“Is this safe?” - Kore wa anzen desu ka?
Or save them on your phone for quick access.
Why Foreigners Are at Higher Risk
Alerts may come in Japanese
Don’t know evacuation areas
Don’t prepare emergency kits
👉 A survey showed many foreigners don’t know where to evacuate(You can mention this insight without overcomplicating)
Our insight
We have seen many foreign residents who are well-settled in Japan—but completely unprepared for emergencies.
Disaster readiness is not just about safety—it’s also about:
Protecting your legal documents
Maintaining communication
Avoiding panic in unfamiliar systems
✍️ Final Thought
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world—but also one of the most disaster-prone.
Preparedness is part of living here.
A simple emergency bag and basic knowledge can make a critical difference when it matters most.
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