2021 has been a year of many earthquakes.
In February, a magnitude 7.3 occurred just off the coast of Fukushima. This quake led to the observation of seismic intensity over 5 in Tokyo for the first time in 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Since then, there has been a growing occurrence of larger shakes in quick succession nationwide, leading to the concern of many who feel the threat from the pressure of the moving tectonic plates beneath our feet.
Most recently, on the 3rd of this month, an earthquake with an epicenter located beneath the Fuji Five Lakes led to widespread worry across the capital and neighbouring prefectures as many associate large shaking around that particular area with the possibility of a major Tokai earthquake and threats of eruption from – the currently dormant – Mount Fuji. On the very same day, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake took place with an epicenter located in the Kii channel, leading even those located in the Kansai region to be on alert.

The table below focuses on earthquakes that occurred in Japan this year with a seismic intensity of 5 or higher. A further 51 earthquakes featured seismic intensity of 4 or above. In other words, there has been an earthquake with an intensity of 4 and above occurring for each week somewhere in Japan during 2021.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a seismic intensity of 4 is listed as “causing most people to be surprised, hanging objects such as lamps may shake greatly, and unsecured furniture may fall over”. When paired with the above observation of an earthquake of 4 and above occurring on average once a week, this means that there has been an earthquake classified as “dangerous” happening almost weekly somewhere in Japan.

Whilst Japan itself has always been an earthquake-prone country, it’s never a bad thing to be overly prepared for the worst case scenario. Considering the seemingly increased amount of tectonic activity, the ‘Earthquake Disaster Countermeasure Technology Exhibition’ and ‘Vibration Technology Exhibition’ will both be taking place this coming February with the aim to promote disaster prevention.

Both events are technology trade fairs which deal with the latest products relating to earthquake safety; showcasing a variety of earthquake-resistant goods, earthquake/civil engineering technology and disaster necessities, amongst other things.
In addition to sales, the events will promote disaster prevention through the holding of earthquake and natural disaster seminars led by experts from both national and local governments, companies and research institutes. In total, 64 sessions – all open to the public, with free entrance – will be held over the course of two days.

Whether we like to admit it or not, all of us have some kind of fear when it comes to the unpredictability of earthquakes in Japan and our threatened safety. That’s why it is important to attend and make use of free events like the seminars at the ‘Earthquake Disaster Countermeasure Technology Exhibition’ and ‘Vibration Technology Exhibition’ when they take place. After all, being better prepared for an unforeseeable possibility could save your life and the lives of those around you.

26th Earthquake Disaster Countermeasure Technology Exhibition / 13th Vibration Technology Exhibition
Date: Thursday 3rd February – Friday 4th February, 2022
Time: 10: 00-17: 00
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama D Hall
*Entrance to the exhibition is free, but visitors must register on the website to abide by the venue’s measures against the spread of infections.