Lifestyle

What We Should Be Prepared for Living in Earthquake-Prone Japan

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred with a magnitude of 9.0, the largest earthquake Japan has ever experienced. Since the beginning of 2023, 25 earthquakes have already occurred. In Japan, “anytime, anyone, anywhere” can encounter an earthquake.

The government says that people should store enough food and water to last at least three days, and preferably a week, until things like electricity, gas, water, and transportation are fixed. In Japan, all kinds of “disaster prevention backpacks” are sold, which contain water, emergency food, and other items necessary in the event of a disaster in one package.

But some of the things in expensive “disaster kits” that cost $75 or more aren’t that useful. Surprisingly unpopular are “emergency rations.” Japanese people who care about food make a wide variety of emergency foods that can be kept for a long time. They are not only energy bars but also special products designed for long-term preservation, such as bread, rice balls, beef bowls, curry, miso soup, etc. Unfortunately, when I actually tried it, I found that, while it was not bad, it was not a meal that I would willingly eat when I was depressed by the disaster. After all, “the food one always eats” is the best for that person.

Recently, the “phase-free” concept has become mainstream. “Phase-free” is a concept of food stockpiling in which, instead of preparing special foods for disasters, one can prepare a little more of the food items one normally eats, and by repeatedly “eating” and “replenishing” them on a regular basis, they can be used both in daily life and in times of emergency. Food loss can be avoided because phase-free foods are not special provisions and are eaten every day.

What we often hear from actual disaster victims is that they were so preoccupied with food and water that they did not realize how sanitary concerns could affect their lives. What they really needed were wet sheets to wipe their bodies, toothbrushes and shampoo to use without water, and cleaning solutions for their regular contacts or dentures. For families with children, items that reduce stress for young children, such as toys and snacks, are also necessary belongings during an evacuation.

The Earthquake Research Committee said in 2020 that there is a 70% to 80% chance that a big M7-9 earthquake will happen in Japan within the next 30 years.

Marriage to a Fictional CharacterPrev

Shohei Otani’s Theory of Happiness and the Power to Achieve DreamsNext

Related post

  1. Lifestyle

    First business day of 2023!

    Government offices will resume operations today. Accordingly, many private-sector also will begin.It is hard to work after the holidays. But we are …

  2. Lifestyle

    MasterCard is not accepted

    A number of Japanese adult manga, illustration, and anime viewing services have been suspended by MasterCard.Generally, credit card payment companie…

  3. Lifestyle

    Cold Wave Grips Japan and Brings Snow

    From 1/20 to 2/3, Japan is at its coldest time of the year. This period is the last of the 24 solar terms called "Daikan." The Japan Meteorological Ag…

  4. Lifestyle

    Today is the last day of work for the year!

    Today is the last day of work for many of us! Government offices are close from December 29 to January 3 by law. Private companies often follow this t…

  5. Lifestyle

    Digital Detox with Zazen at the Temple in Shibuya

    At Kourinin, a temple in Shibuya, zazen sessions are held at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays. Zazen is a Buddhist practice where you sit up straight and focus o…

  6. Lifestyle

    Hankscraft’s Aeroglobe is a great hit at the buffet!

    I had an inspiring experience the other day! When wearing poly gloves to prevent infection in a buffet-style restaurant, I could put on them without t…

PAGE TOP