earthquakes 地震 jishin

The shaky reminder that Japan sits on four tectonic plates that really don’t get along. From small tremors that spill your macha tea to major shakers that send Japanese schoolchildren diving under tables.

Unofficial classification system:

• 1–3: “Did you feel that?” “Feel what?”
• 4–5: “When the skyscrapers are done swaying (it’s a feature, not a bug!) I can still finish my ramen”
• 6–7: “Fancy seeing you under this table!”

Emergency prep:

• Know your evacuation points (避難所 hinanjo).
• If you’re a serious prepper, keep a “survival kit” handy with water, snacks, cash, and a portable charger (because even during disasters, you’ll want to post about it).
• Download disaster alert apps, like Safety Tips or 震度Now!. Either way you’ll soon recognize the earthquake notification sound from everyone else’s phones.

If (when?!) an earthquake hits, protect your head, get under sturdy furniture, and stay away from windows. If you’re on the train, grab a handle and prepare for an unscheduled stop.