Dangerous Place Inquiry:
Tokyo, Japan

Earthquake research institute at Tokyo University said that there was a 70% chance of a magnitude 7 earthquake hitting southern metropolitan Tokyo. The chances of something similar happening over the next 30 years are 98% high.

How are citizens impacted by natural disasters?

During the Great Kantō Earthquake, more than 100,000 people were killed, and about 870,000 houses were destroyed. About 2 million people ended up homeless.

Are citizens prepared in case of earthquake?

Citizens are very prepared, and are known for it. When constructing buildings, workers enhance earthquake resistance. alerts are sent out on phones, and citizens are regularly trained and know how to react.

How is the environment impacted by earthquakes?

In the scenario that a tsunami is caused by an earthquake, the water often washes away lots of vegetation. The tidal waves can also catch animals in its path, and they get swept up. many of these animals do not survive.

How often do earthquakes occur in Tokyo? In Japan as a whole?

A quake occurs every 5 minutes at least. Each year there are about 2,000 that can be felt by people.

What is Tokyo's exact location?

Tokyo, Japan (capital), 36°N, 140°E

What type of movement does it display?

Convergent plate movement is shown.

What is Tokyo's population?

An estimated 9.3 million people live in Tokyo (2016), and 13 million live in the metropolitan area. 127 million people live in Japan.

What cities border Tokyo?

To the North sits the Saitawa Prefecture, to the South is the Kanagawa Pref., to the East is the Chiba Pref., and to the West is the Yamanashi Pref.
Just South-West of Tokyo is the Tokyo Bay.

Languages?

Japanese is spoken in Tokyo

How much would it cost to repair Tokyo
if a major earthquake were to hit the city?

A major earthquake in Tokyo could cost up to $1.2 trillion dollars, which could effect the economies of many other countries, as well as Japan.

Does the government ensure that the citizens are prepared for a natural disaster?


The Japanese government makes sure its citizens have enough knowledge about earthquakes and tsunamis. Regular training sessions are offered so that people know what to do and what to expect.

What types of plates are involved?

Japan is part of 2 plates (Eurasian and Okhotsk), and Tokyo is on the Okhotsk plate.
Japan is surrounded by converging plates.

What features are created at the plate boundaries?

There are multiple volcanoes that have been created by
convergent plate movement.