A powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kyushu island on 28 July 2026, forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate, killing at least 13, and leaving dozens missing after a shopping centre collapsed and a paper mill chimney fell. The quake, which measured 6.8 to 7.1 magnitude and registered a maximum 7 on Japan’s own shindo intensity scale, was the country’s worst in two years. But such events are not rare in Japan, which sits on one of the most seismically active zones on Earth.
Japan experiences roughly 20% of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater. The reason lies in its location: the country straddles four tectonic plates — the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates — that grind against each other, building up stress that is released as earthquakes. The 28 July quake struck in Kumamoto prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, an area that suffered a deadly earthquake in 2016 that killed more than 50 people and damaged tens of thousands of homes.
“Why Japan experiences frequent powerful earthquakes, and how its preparation saves lives.”
Despite the frequency of large tremors, Japan has invested heavily in earthquake resilience. Strict construction standards and earthquake resistance requirements for new buildings have been raised multiple times over recent decades. This is why, according to reports, relatively few buildings collapsed during the 2026 quake, even though the shaking was intense enough to bring down part of a castle wall and destroy a footbridge. The Japanese military mobilised 3,600 personnel for disaster relief, and hundreds of first responders from neighbouring prefectures arrived within hours. Tsunami warnings were issued but lifted within two hours, and more than 60 aftershocks were recorded in the following days.
For UK readers, understanding Japan’s earthquake preparedness matters for several reasons. Firstly, many British travellers visit Japan for tourism or business; knowing how to respond during a quake — such as dropping, covering, and holding on — can be life-saving. Secondly, Japan’s engineering techniques and strict building codes offer lessons for the UK, which faces its own natural hazards like flooding and storms. While the UK is not at high risk of earthquakes, the global nature of modern infrastructure means that supply chains, travel, and insurance markets can be disrupted by major seismic events.
Q: Why does Japan have so many earthquakes? Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. The constant movement of these plates causes frequent seismic activity, with Japan experiencing about 1,500 earthquakes a year that are felt by people.
Q: How does Japan prepare for earthquakes? Japan enforces strict building codes that require new structures to be earthquake-resistant. Regular drills, early warning systems, and rapid response teams like the military’s 3,600 personnel deployed in July 2026 help minimise casualties.
Q: Could a similar earthquake happen in the UK? The UK is far from active plate boundaries and experiences only minor tremors, rarely exceeding magnitude 5. However, the global effects of large quakes — such as tsunami warnings affecting distant coastlines or disruption to international travel — can still impact the UK.
What happens next in Japan depends on the aftershock sequence. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that areas hit hardest would remain at risk of further strong quakes and landslides for about a week. Rescue crews continue to search for dozens of missing people at the collapsed Aeon Mall and the paper mill. Kumamoto Airport remains closed indefinitely, and tens of thousands of households are without power or water. The long-term recovery, including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting displaced residents, will take months or longer.
