JANIA
English

Language

An Earthquake Has Happened

When an earthquake happens, first protect your own life.

When an earthquake happens, first protect your own life.

While It Is Shaking

  • Protect yourself under a sturdy desk or table, etc.
  • Protect your head
  • Do not panic and rush outside
  • Even if you are using fire, do not force yourself to go put it out
  • Once the shaking stops, check the exit
The correct posture to take during an earthquake indoors.
The correct posture to take during an earthquake indoors.

Once the Shaking Stops

Check your surroundings.

  • Whether a fire has started
  • Whether the building has major damage
  • Whether there are dangerous things such as broken glass
  • Whether your family and people around you are safe
Once the shaking stops: check for fire, check the exit, put on shoes, and check information.
Once the shaking stops: check for fire, check the exit, put on shoes, and check information.
If an earthquake happens while you are outside, stay away from buildings, glass, walls, vending machines, and signboards.
If an earthquake happens while you are outside, stay away from buildings, glass, walls, vending machines, and signboards.

If You Are Near the Sea

When you feel strong shaking, or when a tsunami warning or evacuation notice is issued, evacuate to a safe place such as high ground.

In areas where a tsunami is a concern, do not go to look at the sea.

Evacuate to higher ground if your home is unsafe, evacuation information is issued, or you are worried about a tsunami.
Evacuate to higher ground if your home is unsafe, evacuation information is issued, or you are worried about a tsunami.

When It Is Dangerous to Stay in a Building

When it is dangerous to stay where you are — for example, if the building is at risk of collapsing, or a fire is nearby — evacuate to a safe place.

When evacuating, check guidance from your municipality, among other sources.

Going to an Evacuation Shelter

In cases such as when it is dangerous to stay at home, use your local evacuation shelter (避難所).

You can check the location of evacuation shelters through your municipality's disaster prevention information, among other sources.

The place you should evacuate to may differ depending on the type of disaster.

Check Correct Information

During a disaster, incorrect information can spread on social media, among other places.

Check official information from your municipality, the Japan Meteorological Agency, the fire department, and the police, among others.

Disaster information is also available in foreign languages.

Checking Your Family's Safety

Phone calls may become difficult to connect.

Deciding in advance how to contact your family, such as through a disaster message service, will give you peace of mind.

Decide in advance where to meet your family and how to contact them, and write down important phone numbers.
Decide in advance where to meet your family and how to contact them, and write down important phone numbers.
A list of things to always keep prepared: water, food, a flashlight, a mobile battery, medicine, important documents, and shoes to keep by your bed.
A list of things to always keep prepared: water, food, a flashlight, a mobile battery, medicine, important documents, and shoes to keep by your bed.

What You Can Check Next

  • The basics of disasters and disaster preparedness in Japan
  • Tsunamis and evacuation shelters
  • Viewing disaster information in foreign languages
  • 119 – Fire and Emergency Phone Numbers

Main Sources to Check

  • Fire and Disaster Management Agency
  • Japan Meteorological Agency
  • Municipal government (shikuchoson)

Last checked: August 2026