Hi everyone,
I’m planning to move to Japan, but I’ve been struggling with fear lately. It seems like every region I research is prone to floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually experienced one of these disasters in Japan. How did you act to survive? How did the Japanese emergency teams respond and help?
I ask because I survived a major flood in my country just last year. The water rose higher than most people—over 5'2"—and I truly thought it would be my last day. I was only able to survive because a kind neighbor offered me shelter on their third floor just in time. That kind of fear leaves a mark.
Now, I’m being asked to choose where I’d like to be deployed, but every time I research a city or region, I come across horrifying images—flooded towns, collapsed buildings, helicopters in rescue operations, and reports of casualties. It’s overwhelming.
If you haven’t experienced this kind of life-threatening fear, please don’t judge. I’m not looking for tough-love advice. I’m looking for understanding, real experiences, and practical guidance.
Thank you.
by Lupa1896
4 comments
Earthquakes are extremely common, but 9 times out of 10 they’re small enough that you barely feel them. Literally anyone who has been here longer than 2 weeks has ‘survived’ an earthquake.
While certain areas of Japan are prone to flooding, I haven’t experienced super significant flooding here, and I’ve been here over the course of multiple huge typhoons that brought staggering amounts of rain.
I feel that if you research “Japan” + “Flooding” or “Earthquakes”, you’re most likely going to see images of the March 11th disaster which, while terrifying, was a rare occurrence. Most of the pictures I think you’re looking at (if they are indeed 3/11 pictures) represent the most extreme end of a natural disaster that anyone can experience over the course of their entire life.
Different disasters are region specific as well. The side of Japan that faces the Sea of Japan, for example, just really doesn’t get tsunamis because the conditions the have to be met for them to occur don’t really happen in that region.
If there’s one region I’d personally avoid because of more frequent natural disasters, it would probably have to be Kyushu, due to mudslides. I feel mudslides in Kyushu are generally the most dangerous natural disaster here that people have a fairly regular chance of encountering.
Unfortunately part of living in Japan is an understanding that at any time a big earthquake or other situations could come up. All we can do is be aware, be prepared with strategies/escape bags, and hope for the best.
Most of the time nothing happens and there’s no danger. Some people can go their whole life with no encounters with a big earthquake and such.
But it’s a risk in most of Japan. At any time. With little to no warning.
You’re talking about being deployed (US military?), so that limits your options in terms of where to go, but if you can choose a place, some areas are less likely to be affected by big disasters.
EDIT: I keep thinking only earthquakes lol but in terms of Tsunamis there are many areas which don’t get them at all, nor flooding, but might be at risk for other things still.
People really focus on the natural disasters in Japan and get freaked out while it’s just like anywhere else and they are rare events. You just accept that natural disasters can happen and be prepared. Pick housing outside of flood zones, have some extra food and water on hand. Japan is actually a really good place because they are so prepared. Whenever a typhoon rolls through or other “not major” but stronger than normal condition, our city sends out alerts and opens all the shelters for anyone who wants to evacuate and stay somewhere safe.
I’ve been through 10 or so typhoons here and except for a few hours of heavy rain it’s come to nothing. No major earthquakes but we get alerts on our phone maybe once a year.
Japan is extremely prone to natural disasters. That’s also why they’re the one of most prepared societies for natural disasters. It’s taken very seriously, and has huge effects on the society here.
I’m from a place just as dangerous (Alaska), but I feel safer here because I know everyone (including all levels of government) takes it very seriously.
Anyway, everywhere on Earth is dangerous in some way or another.