Uchikura & Co., LLC

Japan Learned From Disaster

 

When the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake hit in 1995, many areas lost water service for weeks or even months. From that painful experience, Japan learned an important lesson: after a major earthquake, water is life.

 

Today, Tokyo has underground emergency water storage tanks placed throughout the city. There are reportedly 213 tanks, located so that most residents have access to one within about 2 kilometers of their home.

 

Each tank stores drinking water for emergencies. Some tanks hold 100 ton of water. Access points are often located at schools, parks, and public facilities.

 

This is not just infrastructure. It is preparation based on real experience. Japan does not only rebuild after disaster. It learns, improves, and prepares for the next one.