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Disaster Preparedness

Japan experiences earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. This guide covers alerts, evacuation, and free multilingual resources available 24/7.

Official Resources & Services

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NHK World

Emergency News

NHK's English-language broadcast. During disasters, NHK World provides live updates, evacuation orders, and safety information in English 24/7.

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JMA (気象庁)

Disaster Alerts

Japan Meteorological Agency's real-time disaster dashboard. Shows earthquake intensity maps, typhoon tracks, and tsunami warnings across Japan.

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Safety Tips (App)

Free App · 14 Languages

Official Japan Tourism Agency disaster alert app. Sends push notifications the moment an earthquake, tsunami, or severe weather warning is issued. Works in 14 languages including English, Chinese, and Korean.

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#171 災害用伝言ダイヤル

Disaster Message Dial

A phone service activated during major disasters. Call #171 to record or listen to safety messages from family. Free to use. Works when regular calls are congested.

What to prepare now

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Find your evacuation site now

Search "避難場所 [your city/ward]" on Google Maps, or check your city hall website. Evacuation sites differ by disaster type (flood vs. earthquake).

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Enable J-Alert on your phone

Japan's national emergency alert system (J-Alert) sends warnings directly to mobile phones. Make sure your phone's emergency alerts are turned on in Settings.

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Prepare a go-bag

Keep a bag ready with: water (3 days), food, medications, insurance card (保険証), passport, cash, flashlight, and a list of emergency contacts.

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Learn key Japanese disaster words

避難指示 = Evacuation order · 津波警報 = Tsunami warning · 地震 = Earthquake · 安全 = Safe · 助けてください = Please help me