News On Japan

Experts warn of high risk of Nankai Trough tsunami

Jan 25 (NHK) - A panel of Japanese experts says that over the next 30 years, many people living along the Nankai Trough face a higher chance of experiencing a deadly tsunami than being injured in a traffic accident.

The government's Earthquake Research Committee gave the assessment in a report on Friday.

It's the first estimate of the probability of coastal areas being hit by tsunami following a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake along the Nankai Trough.

The experts estimate there's a 70 to 80 percent chance the trench in the Pacific off central to western Japan will cause such a mega-quake in the next 30 years.

They estimated that the probability that tsunami of at least three meters would hit reached the highest rank of 26 percent or more in 71 municipalities, mainly in the Shikoku, Kinki and Tokai regions.

A three-meter tsunami is said to be capable of washing away houses.

Committee chief Naoshi Hirata said that in comparison, the chance of suffering an injury in a traffic accident during the same time span is thought to be around 15 percent. He says 26 percent is a high probability and advises people to be prepared.

The committee also estimates that there's a chance of at least 6 percent and below 26 percent that 21 cities and towns, mainly in Kochi and Mie Prefectures, will be hit by tsunami of 10 meters or higher.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Mitsubishi Electric has revealed the new HTV-X unmanned supply vehicle, designed to transport goods to the International Space Station (ISS).

This year’s Global Power City Index was released, revealing that Tokyo has maintained its position as the third-ranked city worldwide for nine consecutive years. Factors such as the increase in foreign visitors to Japan contributed to narrowing the gap between Tokyo and second-ranked New York.

A Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors has received one of the world's highest honors. Nihon Hidankyo accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. It comes as tensions rise around the world -- raising fears over the use of nuclear weapons. (NHK)

Japan's problem-solving skills have been ranked the best in the world according to an international survey assessing skills needed in daily life.

Tofukuji Temple’s most iconic view can be enjoyed from Tsutenkyo Bridge. From there, visitors feel as though they are floating above a sea of colorful autumn leaves—a truly breathtaking sight.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A section of Osaka's Umeda district has been revamped to tackle street solicitation, a persistent issue in the area. The initiative included painting roads bright yellow and adding streetlights to discourage such activities.

What was initially thought to be a suicide has now been revealed as a murder, with workplace bullying suspected to be a contributing factor.

The Tokyo District Court has sentenced a former junior high school principal to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting and injuring a female student 14 years ago. (NHK)

Japan's Empress Masako turned 61 on Monday. She issued a statement, saying 2024 began in a deeply painful manner due to a major earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year's Day. (NHK)

The supermarket reopened its doors after a week, regaining its usual bustle as customers streamed in.

Tokyo police say they have determined there was no foul play in the death of Japanese actor and singer Nakayama Miho. Nakayama was found dead in the bathroom of her home in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on Friday. Police in the capital reportedly rushed to Nakayama's home in Shibuya Ward after receiving a call from her management agency on Friday afternoon. She was reportedly found dead in the bathroom. (NHK)

Shipment operations for 'Sukumo,' the dye used in Tokushima Prefecture's renowned indigo dyeing, have begun.

In an incident at a theme park in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, where the floor of a 3D maze collapsed, injuring six people, police have decided to send case files for three related officials to prosecutors.