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Japan Earthquake Safety for Renters: What Every Foreign Resident Should Know
Japan Earthquake Safety for Renters: A Complete Guide
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. As a foreign resident renting an apartment, understanding earthquake preparedness is not optional — it's essential. This guide covers everything you need to know to stay safe.
🏗️ Understanding Building Safety Standards
Japan has some of the world's strictest earthquake-resistant building standards:
- Pre-1981 buildings follow the old seismic code (旧耐震基準) — less protection
- Post-1981 buildings follow the new seismic code (新耐震基準) — significantly safer
- Post-2000 buildings have the highest modern standards
- When renting, ask about the building's 耐震等級 (seismic grade) — Grade 3 is the highest
Tip: Shin Housing only lists apartments that meet modern safety standards.
🎒 Build Your Emergency Kit (非常用持ち出し袋)
Every household in Japan should have an emergency bag (非常用持ち出し袋, hijōyō mochidashifukuro). Prepare the following:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 3 days minimum (2L per person/day) |
| Emergency food | 3-day supply of non-perishables |
| First aid kit | Basic bandages, antiseptic |
| Flashlight + batteries | Essential for power outages |
| Portable phone charger | Keep it charged |
| Cash (small bills) | ATMs may be offline |
| Copies of documents | Passport, residence card, insurance |
| Warm clothing/blanket | Especially for winter |
| Whistle | Signal for help |
| Dust mask | Protection from debris |
🔔 Japan's Earthquake Alert System
Japan has an excellent Early Earthquake Warning system (緊急地震速報). You'll receive alerts on your phone seconds before strong shaking.
- Set up J-Alert notifications on your smartphone
- Download Safety Tips app — available in English, Chinese, Korean, and more
- Register with your ward office for local disaster alerts
📋 Before an Earthquake
- Know your evacuation routes and nearest evacuation point (避難場所)
- Check your ward office's hazard map (ハザードマップ) — available online
- Secure heavy furniture to walls using anti-tipping straps (家具固定)
- Store breakable items low to the ground
- Know how to shut off your gas meter after a quake
🏃 During an Earthquake
- Stay calm — most quakes end quickly
- Drop, Cover, Hold On — get under a sturdy table or desk
- Away from windows — glass shattering is a major hazard
- Do NOT run outside — falling debris outside is more dangerous
- If cooking, turn off the stove immediately if safe to do so
- After shaking stops, open a door or window to ensure exit routes
🚑 After an Earthquake
- Check for injuries and apply first aid if needed
- Do NOT use open flames — gas leaks may be present
- Check your gas meter — it auto-shuts in strong quakes; call the gas company to reset
- Listen to official announcements via radio or TV
- Follow evacuation orders if issued
- Contact your embassy or consulate if needed
🗺️ Find Your Evacuation Point
Every neighborhood has designated evacuation points. Find yours by:
- Visiting your ward office website
- Looking for 避難場所 signs in your neighborhood
- Using the Yahoo! Japan Disaster Alert app or Google Maps (search "避難場所 near me")
📞 Shin Housing's Support
Shin Housing provides earthquake safety information to all tenants in English. We help you understand your building's safety rating and connect you with the right resources from day one.