Foreign residents in Japan are being reminded of the country's vulnerability to natural disasters following a particularly active period of seismic activity, wildfires, and ongoing recovery efforts from previous catastrophes. Recent events underscore the critical importance of disaster preparedness for anyone living in the archipelago.

On January 15, 2026, multiple earthquakes struck different regions of Japan within hours of each other. According to NHK, Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture experienced a magnitude 4 tremor at 2:40 PM, followed just eight minutes later by a larger magnitude 5.2 earthquake in the Hida region of Gifu at 2:48 PM, which registered as intensity 3 in both Gifu and Nagano prefectures. Earlier that morning, Nemuro City in Hokkaido recorded intensity 3 tremors at 7:13 AM. While none of these earthquakes triggered tsunami warnings, they serve as stark reminders of Japan's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The government's Earthquake Research Committee issued an evaluation on January 14 regarding a more significant event—a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck eastern Shimane Prefecture earlier in January, producing intensity 5-strong shaking in both Shimane and Tottori prefectures. The committee concluded that "seismic activity continues in an active state," indicating residents should remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.

Meanwhile, the devastating human toll of the Noto Peninsula earthquake continues to mount. On January 15, an expert review panel recommended recognizing four additional deaths in Ishikawa Prefecture as disaster-related fatalities. Once officially certified by local authorities, this will bring the total death toll from the Noto Peninsula earthquake to 707 people. These disaster-related deaths—which occur due to evacuation stress, deteriorating health conditions, or inadequate access to medical care following the initial disaster—highlight the prolonged impact earthquakes have on affected communities.

The Noto region's suffering extends beyond earthquakes. A separate expert panel recommended recognizing one additional death from the September 2024 torrential rain disaster in the Noto area as disaster-related, which would raise that event's death toll to 21 people, according to NHK reporting.

Fire hazards also remain a pressing concern. A massive wildfire that has burned across Uenohara City and Otsuki City in Yamanashi Prefecture for one week continues to spread as of January 15. However, authorities in Uenohara confirmed safety conditions had improved sufficiently to lift all evacuation orders for communities at the mountain's base that evening. In Oita Prefecture, public-funded demolition of buildings damaged in a large-scale fire that struck the Saganoseki area of Oita City in November 2025 began on January 15, demonstrating the lengthy recovery process following major fire incidents.

On a lighter note, Typhoon No. 1 formed in the ocean east of the Philippines on January 15 afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the storm is not expected to directly impact Japan, though vessels in the area should exercise caution.

For foreign residents, these events emphasize several critical points: maintain an updated emergency kit with water, food, and essential documents; know your local evacuation centers; register with your embassy; and download disaster alert apps that provide information in multiple languages, such as NHK World's app or the Safety Tips app by the Japan Tourism Agency. Understanding basic disaster-related Japanese vocabulary and keeping physical copies of important documents can prove invaluable during emergencies when digital systems may be unavailable.

Japan's disaster preparedness infrastructure is among the world's most advanced, but personal readiness remains essential for navigating the country's natural hazards safely.