National / Science & Health Jul 10, 2020
Nankai quake numbers skewed to prioritize budgets over science
by Keiichi Ozawa
When manipulated figures on the likelihood of a Nankai Trough quake were released, internal disagreements were kept hidden.
National / Science & Health Jul 9, 2020
Japan's seismologists and policymakers at odds over quake science
by Keiichi Ozawa
Selecting the most alarming estimate for a Nankai Trough quake was seen as a good idea, meeting minutes show.
Business Jul 8, 2020
Japan nonlife insurers to raise premiums 6-8% in wake of disasters
Four major Japanese nonlife insurers plan to raise their fire insurance premiums for homes by a national average of 6 to 8 percent in January 2021, sources said Wednesday. The first simultaneous premium hikes by the four since October 2019 will follow a rise in ...
National / Science & Health Jul 8, 2020
The truth behind fear-inducing Nankai Trough quake prediction figures
by Keiichi Ozawa
When a revised probability number was announced for a potential Nankai Trough earthquake, some experts were far from happy.
Asia Pacific Jul 7, 2020
No damage reported after deep undersea earthquake rattles Indonesia
A deep undersea earthquake hit off the coast of Indonesia’s main island of Java on Tuesday, but no injuries or serious damage were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake measured 6.6 magnitude and was centered about 94 kilometers (58 miles) north of Batang, ...
National Jul 5, 2020
Japan's top mobile carriers launch multilingual disaster information service for tourists
The short messaging service will send information on crucial phone numbers and web links that can help tourists caught up in quakes, typhoons and blackouts.
National | Regional Voices: Kyushu Jun 26, 2020
Evacuation plans for elderly and disabled people get rethink in pandemic
As municipalities continue to battle against the coronavirus, many people are readying themselves for worst-case scenarios.
National Jun 25, 2020
Japan police to set up website to collect disaster photos and video
Such data will also help police determine the number of rescue workers to be dispatched to disaster-stricken areas, officials added.
National Jun 25, 2020
Magnitude 6.1 quake off eastern coast of Japan rattles Tokyo
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off eastern Japan early Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, rocking buildings in the capital Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. No tsunami warning was issued. The 4:47 a.m. quake, which originated at a depth of about 36 kilometers, registered as lower ...
National Jun 23, 2020
Japan braces for perfect storm of COVID-19 spreading at flood shelters
by Isabel Reynolds
The nation’s usual approach leaves little room for social distancing, with each person allotted space for one straw tatami mat — about 1.6 square meters.
National | Regional Voices: Fukushima Jun 12, 2020
Pandemic forces Fukushima's Hope Tourism program to go digital
Region looks to livestreaming and Zoom to offset lack of visitors.
National May 29, 2020
Japan's disaster plan revised in light of coronavirus and typhoons
The government's revisions address the reality of the virus, as well as the damage caused by typhoons Faxai and Hagibis last year.