Japan and Natural Disasters
Japan is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and experiences earthquakes almost daily. As an Indonesian national, you must be prepared for earthquakes, typhoons (taifuu), floods, and even tsunamis. Although it sounds frightening, Japan's infrastructure and warning systems are very advanced. The important thing is that you know what to do.
When an Earthquake Occurs
Indoors
- DROP, COVER, HOLD ON - Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on to the table leg
- Stay away from windows, bookshelves, and objects that could fall
- DO NOT run outside during the earthquake - falling objects from outside are more dangerous
- Turn off the stove if you are near it and it is safe to do so
- Open a door after the shaking stops (doors can get stuck due to building distortion)
Outdoors
- Move away from buildings, utility poles, and vending machines
- Protect your head with a bag or your hands
- If you are near the sea and feel strong shaking for more than 1 minute: IMMEDIATELY evacuate to high ground (potential tsunami)
On a Train/Subway
- Hold on tight, do not panic
- The train will stop automatically
- Follow the instructions of the staff, DO NOT exit the train on your own
Japanese Earthquake Scale (Shindo/震度)
| Shindo | Sensation | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Slightly felt, lights sway | No special action needed |
| 3-4 | Clearly felt, objects shake | Prepare to take cover |
| 5弱 (5-lower) | Difficult to stand, objects fall | Take cover under a table immediately |
| 5強 (5-upper) | Furniture may fall | Take cover, extinguish flames |
| 6弱-6強 | Difficult to move, walls may crack | Take cover, prepare to evacuate |
| 7 | Destructive, buildings may collapse | Save yourself, evacuate |
Preparing an Emergency Bag (防災バッグ)
Every household in Japan should have an emergency bag ready to grab at any time:
Essential Items (for 3 days)
- Drinking water - 2 liters per person per day (6 liters total per person)
- Emergency food - Biscuits, canned bread, instant rice (kanpan, alpha rice)
- Medicine - Personal medication, first-aid kit, headache medicine, bandages
- Flashlight and batteries - Or a hand-crank flashlight
- Portable radio - For information if the power is out
- Power bank - Minimum 10,000 mAh, always kept charged
- Emergency blanket (aluminum) - Lightweight and warm, 100 yen at Daiso
- Important documents (copy) - Passport, Residence Card, health insurance card, My Number card
- Cash - 10,000-30,000 yen in small denominations (ATMs may not work)
- Masks and wet wipes
- Whistle - To call for help if trapped
Where to buy: Complete emergency bag sets can be purchased on Amazon Japan, Rakuten, or at home centers (Cainz, Kohnan) starting from 3,000-10,000 yen.
Typhoon (Taifuu) Season
The typhoon season in Japan runs from June to October, with its peak in August-September:
Preparations Before a Typhoon
- Stock up on water and food for 2-3 days
- Charge all electronic devices
- Close windows tightly, draw the curtains (to prevent shattered glass from flying in)
- Secure items on the balcony (they can be blown away and become dangerous)
- Fill the bathtub with water (to flush the toilet if the water supply is cut)
- Know the location of the nearest shelter
During a Typhoon
- DO NOT go outside unless it is an emergency
- Stay away from windows and glass doors
- Monitor information via TV, radio, or apps
- If an evacuation is ordered, leave immediately
Warning and Information Systems
Essential Apps
- Safety Tips (NHK World) - Earthquake, tsunami, and typhoon warnings in Indonesian
- Yahoo! Bosai (Yahoo!防災速報) - The fastest alerts, including J-Alert
- NHK World-Japan - Disaster news in various languages
J-Alert
A national warning system that sends notifications to all mobile phones in an affected area. The alarm sound is very loud and distinctive. If it goes off, read the message immediately (there is usually an English version).
Evacuation Shelters (避難所)
- Find the location of your nearest shelter now - Don't wait for a disaster to happen
- They are usually located in schools, community centers, or government buildings
- Look for the 避難所 (hinanjo) sign around your home
- Your city's website usually has a shelter map (ハザードマップ/hazard map)
Contacting Family in Indonesia
- Disaster Message Dial: 171 - A voice message service during disasters (regular phone lines may not work)
- Disaster Message Board: web171.jp - An online text message board
- Indonesian Embassy Emergency Hotline - Save the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo's number: +81-3-3441-4201
- LINE/WhatsApp - Often still work even when regular phone lines are down
Earthquake Insurance
Standard fire insurance (mandatory when renting an apartment) usually does NOT cover damage from earthquakes. If you have valuable belongings, consider adding earthquake insurance (地震保険). The premium is around 5,000-15,000 yen/year.
Special Tips for Indonesian Nationals
- Register with the Indonesian Embassy - So they can contact and assist you during a major disaster
- Join a local Indonesian LINE group - The fastest information often comes from fellow Indonesians
- Participate in evacuation drills (防災訓練) - Usually held once a year in your city/ward
- Learn emergency terms in Japanese: 地震 (jishin/earthquake), 津波 (tsunami), 避難 (hinan/evacuation), 火事 (kaji/fire)
Natural disasters are unavoidable in Japan, but with proper preparation, you can minimize risks and ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Prepare your emergency bag today, don't delay.