Daily preparation for the unexpected Japanese shake-up

Japan could be one of the best places to be in an earthquake

I often tell my friends that Japan might be one of the best places to be in an earthquake. Because? Nooo, you say! “I don’t want that to happen when I’m in town!” “Can’t you wait until I’m gone?” Hmmm, Mother Nature is usually quite unpredictable and can actually be quite amazing in her timing and focus. Bottom line… all of us in Japan are almost always waiting for Mother Nature to make her move. Honestly, thanks to volcanic growth and tectonic movement under our feet, we enjoy hot springs, beautiful mountains, countless islands to explore, wonderful wildlife, and fertile land. Our island nation is constantly growing and moving, I mean, have you seen the fault lines that crisscross beneath Japan? In fact, half of Japan is on the North American plate…which makes me (an American) feel closer to home.

Anyway, I was here during the Kobe earthquake, the Tohoku earthquake on March 11, 2011, and the countless jolts, jolts, and light jolts that occurred in between. Yes, it was terrifying and there was a lot of tragedies, a lot of loss. However, at the same time, I had a much better understanding of the absolute necessity of being prepared as much as we can and that it’s the little things that count the most.

So, from a Senpai who has been here for 27 years, this is what I would recommend you take while traveling this beautiful land.

This is what you should bring:

Snacks: My mother-in-law (at the time) always had a few snacks, candies, and cookies in her bag. She survived the war, as well as the much harsher and more difficult times when there was little food and much cooperation between neighbors after the war, so she knew that having a little food on hand could really help in a pinch. After the earthquake, I realized that I could have been stuck somewhere more remote for a day or so. In that case, some food to keep you going would be a smart thing to keep tucked away in my bag. A product called Calorie Mate (a type of Japanese energy bar) would be perfect to take with you.

Tenugui: There is a small hand towel sold in Japan called “Tenugui”. This has to be one of the most delicate, beautiful, and absolutely useful items ever! Japan is a very “eco” or environmentally conscious country and Tenugui has long been used as a multifunctional art cloth. Beautifully designed and printed, the lightweight cotton Tenugui can be cooled in water and then wrapped around your neck or head on hot summer days, wipe rain or snowdrops off your clothes or bag before boarding a crowded train, wrap small snacks and treats for your day, or use as a makeshift ground cover if you need to sit. Tenugui is a lovely and lightweight Japanese product, so it is also perfect as a gift for friends and family back home.

Whistle: It’s always good to have a whistle. Sometimes structures shake and doors come apart, so as you saw on “Titanic,” the whistle can save the day just like it did for Rose.

Charger: The charger for your phone. There was a lot of electricity after the earthquake, but if you don’t have the charger, your smartphone will go out pretty fast. Facebook and Gmail were the first to go after the earthquake and the best way to communicate, so in case you can’t get back to your accommodation right away, you’ll want to keep your charger.

Passport: Copies of your passport and insurance card. Most people don’t like to carry their passport with them, so a copy will be fine.

Slippers: Slippers by your bed. In case the lights are out and there is broken glass, you will want to keep a pair of shoes or slippers by your bed.

Each convenience store has underwear, cosmetics, food, and more. Tokyo has enough water stored for each person for a few days, schools have blankets and other necessities stocked for the community when the need arises, and most people know the precautions to take in the event of a natural disaster.

Seriously…including me…you’ve got plenty of Senpai experienced in natural disasters all over the place, so if you feel a jolt, hear a typhoon approaching, get word of an oncoming blizzard, etc., just ask and you’re sure to find plenty of reassuring knowledge and friendly people who are more than ready to help you weather the storm.