Shaken by Design: Why Japan Faces Relentless Large Earthquakes
Japan sits on the boundary of four tectonic plates along the Ring of Fire, triggering frequent, large earthquakes. The Kumamoto quake and other events highlight both the country’s advanced detection, emergency response, and quake-proof infrastructure built since major past disasters like Kobe and Tohoku, and the persistent seismic threat. Scientists warn of a future megathrust along the Nankai Trough with a 70–80% chance of an 8–9 magnitude quake within 30 years, though exact timing remains uncertain, underscoring the ongoing need for resilience and preparedness.
