Disaster Preparedness in Japan for Foreigners [2026 Guide]
Japan is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries — earthquakes, typhoons, floods and tsunamis are all real risks. Many alerts are issued in Japanese only, which makes advance preparation especially important for foreign residents. This guide covers the key steps from preparation to emergency action.
① Main natural disasters in Japan
| Disaster | Season | Key preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | Year-round (unpredictable) | Secure furniture, know evacuation sites, emergency kit |
| Typhoon | June–October | Reinforce windows, stock food, prepare to evacuate |
| Flooding / Landslide | June–September (rainy season) | Check your area on the hazard map |
| Tsunami | After major earthquakes | Move immediately to higher ground if near coast/river |
② Check your risk with a hazard map
Hazard maps show risk areas for various disasters. Check your local city's website, or use the MLIT Hazard Map Portal (disaportal.gsi.go.jp) — available in English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish. Check both where you live and where you work.
③ Finding evacuation sites and shelters
There are two types of evacuation locations in Japan:
- Designated emergency evacuation sites (指定緊急避難場所): Places to go immediately during a disaster — parks, high ground, etc.
- Designated evacuation shelters (指定避難所): Where to stay if you can't return home — school gyms, community centers, etc.
Find yours on your city's hazard map, the Yahoo! Disaster Alert app, or NHK Disaster app.
④ Emergency kit contents
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Water & food | 3 liters/person/day × 3 days; emergency food (canned goods, instant noodles) |
| Documents & cash | Residence Card, passport (or copy), health insurance card, cash (including coins) |
| Medicine | Regular medications, first aid kit, masks |
| Communication | Smartphone, charger, power bank |
| Everyday items | Flashlight, batteries, gloves, rain gear, change of clothes |
⑤ Receiving earthquake alerts and disaster information
- Earthquake Early Warning: Automatically sent to smartphones as a loud alarm. When you hear it, drop, cover, and hold on.
- Disaster apps: "Yahoo! Disaster Alert" and "NHK Disaster" apps have multilingual options — install them in advance.
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN: Provides disaster information in English, Chinese, Vietnamese and more.
- J-Alert (municipal broadcasts): Emergency messages via city PA systems and text alerts.
FAQ
What should I do immediately when an earthquake hits?Drop, cover your head, and hold on. After the shaking stops, extinguish any flames, open a door for an exit, and get information from your phone or radio.
Where can I find evacuation sites?At your city's website, the MLIT Hazard Map Portal (disaportal.gsi.go.jp), or the Yahoo! Disaster Alert / NHK Disaster apps.
Where can I get disaster information in English?NHK WORLD-JAPAN (nhkworld.com) provides updates in English and other languages. The Yahoo! Disaster Alert app also has an English mode.
What are the most important things to put in an emergency kit?Water and food (3-day supply), Residence Card or passport copy, cash, regular medications, and your smartphone with a charger.
How do I prepare before a typhoon?A few days ahead: stock water and food, tape or reinforce windows, check flood risk on the hazard map, and know your nearest evacuation shelter.
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Emergency food stockpile
Long-life emergency food prepared with water or hot water. For home stockpiles and go-bags.
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* Prices, terms and availability change; check each official site. Availability may depend on your residence status/screening.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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