Foreign residents in Japan are facing a challenging start to 2025 as the country grapples with ongoing earthquake aftershocks, a major wildfire requiring evacuations, and a troubling new phenomenon: AI-generated fake disaster videos spreading misinformation during emergencies.

One month after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture on December 8, 2024, seismic activity continues to concern experts. According to NHK, specialists warn that while earthquake activity is gradually decreasing, areas surrounding the epicenter may still contain regions accumulating strain, meaning residents should maintain their disaster preparedness. The initial quake and subsequent aftershocks have kept northern Japan on alert, reminding all residents—including expats—of the importance of maintaining emergency supplies and evacuation plans.

More recently, on January 6, 2026, a magnitude earthquake registering 5-strong on Japan's seismic intensity scale struck Shimane and Tottori prefectures in western Japan. The tremor caused significant damage to infrastructure, with a hot spring accommodation facility in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, forced to temporarily close after ceiling sections collapsed in guest rooms and water pipes ruptured, according to NHK reports. This incident highlights how even moderate earthquakes can disrupt daily life and local businesses, affecting both residents and travelers.

Simultaneously, central Japan is battling a serious wildfire emergency. A forest fire that ignited on January 8 across mountainous areas spanning Uenohara City and Otsuki City in Yamanashi Prefecture continues to spread, NHK reports. Evacuation orders have been issued for residential areas at the mountain's base in Uenohara City, and Yamanashi Prefecture has requested disaster relief assistance from the Self-Defense Forces. As of January 9, firefighting operations involving military personnel were underway. Foreign residents in affected areas should monitor local government announcements and be prepared to evacuate immediately if ordered.

Adding complexity to disaster response efforts, authorities in Tottori Prefecture have issued warnings about AI-generated fake videos circulating on social media platforms. Following the January 6 earthquake, fabricated videos purporting to show damage in Tottori Prefecture appeared on video-sharing applications, according to NHK. Prefectural officials believe these videos were created using generative AI technology and are urging residents to exercise caution when viewing disaster-related content online.

This development represents a dangerous new challenge for disaster management in Japan. During emergencies, accurate information is critical for making life-saving decisions about evacuation, shelter locations, and safety measures. Fake videos can cause unnecessary panic, misdirect emergency resources, or lead people to underestimate actual dangers. For expats who may already face language barriers when accessing emergency information, distinguishing authentic reports from AI-generated fakes adds another layer of difficulty.

Experts recommend that foreign residents verify disaster information through official channels such as NHK World, local government websites with multilingual support, and Japan's official disaster prevention applications. The Japan Meteorological Agency and municipal governments provide authoritative updates that should be prioritized over social media content during emergencies.

These concurrent events underscore the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness for everyone living in Japan. Expats should ensure they have emergency kits containing water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and important documents. Register with your embassy, download official disaster alert apps with English support, and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and designated shelters in your neighborhood. Understanding local warning systems and knowing how to access verified information in multiple languages can make the crucial difference during an emergency.

As Japan continues managing these overlapping disasters, the combination of natural hazards and technological misinformation challenges requires heightened awareness and preparation from all residents, regardless of nationality.