Daily life for a MEXT student in Japan

How many earthquakes in Japan?

There are quite a few earthquakes in Japan, due to its location along the Ring of Fire. The country lies on four tectonic plates. Consequently, there can be 2-3 earthquakes a day and many tremors. In Tokyo, I usually feel some tremors, and from time to time a small quake. I don’t mind them much, and I got used to this very quickly.

Tohoku Earthquake March 2011

I was also in Japan during the Tohoku Earthquake in March 2011, and indeed that one felt much stronger and especially longer. I was in the dorm at that time, taking a nap. Because I didn’t want to get up, I just laid on my bed and waited quietly for the earthquake to finish.

In my experience with earthquakes in Japan, the worst thing by far is the panic of the masses. During the 2011 earthquake, some students from my dormitory jumped out of the window (they were ok, just sprained some ankles or wrists), and then the general panic perpetuated by the embassies. They were pressuring students to return to their countries for a short while. I refused this, but many other students left, and the dormitory was almost empty. Also, the shops were closed, and I couldn’t find toilet paper. This was the extent of the damage from my perspective. It was a little difficult not to let myself influenced by the other’s worries, so I decided to take a one-week holiday in Kyoto. In my opinion, a holiday is the best solution to any problem.

Another problem might be the tsunami. But if you live away from the eastern coast, there is nothing to worry about. And Tokyo is quite safe, because of the Tokyo Bay which offers a natural barrier. The artificial island of Odaiba provides some protection as well.

Japan is quite safe

Truthfully, I am not afraid of earthquakes and being in Japan, living with daily earthquakes is ok for me. But I can see many people who are really afraid and they panic easily even for the slightest tremor. You cannot enjoy your student life in Japan if you live in fear. Japan is most of the time a very safe country and Japanese people have studied earthquakes extensively. They have a lot of technology, and they use it when building things. I would say that being inside a building is the safest location during earthquakes. If you are outside, anything could fall on you, but inside, everything is in a Japanese minimalist style, so there is no danger.

Conclusion

So much about Japanese earthquakes. If you worry about them, your experience as a MEXT student in Japan will be diminished. You need to enjoy your life, and remember the earthquake rules: don’t use the stairs or elevator, stay away from things that can fall on you, and above all, don’t panic!