For foreign residents living in Tokyo, earthquake preparedness is not simply something you should know about — it is something you need to act on now.
It is not uncommon for expats to find themselves unable to read Japanese, uncertain about how to communicate with their property management company, or unaware of whether their apartment even meets the current seismic standard.
While English-language disaster preparedness information is becoming more widely available, it is not always easy to determine which resources are genuinely useful or applicable to your specific situation.
This article compares disaster preparedness resources and services aimed at expat renters in Tokyo, summarizing the strengths, features, and ideal use cases of each.
Who this article is for
- English-speaking foreigners living in or planning to move to Tokyo
- Renters who want to verify the seismic safety and evacuation routes of their apartment
- Foreign residents in Japan who are anxious about communicating in Japanese during emergencies
- Those who want to learn about disaster supplies and go-bag preparation through an English-language guide
What you’ll learn
- Scope and features of the content provided by each disaster preparedness resource
- Service comparison across key criteria: seismic standards, evacuation information, and stockpile supplies
- How to choose the right resource based on your situation and needs
- Key points foreign renters should check when choosing a property and preparing for daily emergencies
Key factors to consider when choosing a Tokyo Earthquake Preparedness resource for Expat Renters: What Your Apartment Should Have
When choosing a disaster preparedness resource, it is important to consider more than just whether the content is in English. The following key comparison criteria are worth keeping in mind.
Depth of information on building seismic standards (new vs. old seismic standard)
Japan significantly revised its seismic building code in 1981. Buildings constructed after that point fall under the Shin-Taishin (new seismic standard), while those built before are classified under Kyu-Taishin (old seismic standard). Understanding this distinction is the first step toward safety for expats choosing an apartment. Key factors to look for in a resource include how to verify a building’s construction date and whether it has undergone seismic assessment, and whether that information is explained in English. Resources that clearly explain the difference between the two standards provide valuable guidance from the property-search stage onward.
Practical access to information on evacuation routes and shelters
Knowing in advance where to go during an earthquake can be a matter of survival. However, evacuation site information in Tokyo is often provided only in Japanese, making it difficult for foreign residents to access. Resources that provide evacuation routes, shelter locations, and usage instructions in English are especially valuable for residents with limited Japanese ability. Additional key factors include whether information is organized by area and whether maps or specific facility names are provided.
Availability of multilingual support and concrete means of obtaining information in emergencies
In the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, the speed at which you can access accurate information can be a matter of life and death. It is important to know whether a resource provides actionable information such as recommended emergency apps, how to use multilingual broadcasts, and ways to gather information via social media and the web. For foreign residents in particular, a key evaluation criterion is whether resources such as NHK World, Yahoo! Bosai Sokuhо, and the Tokyo Bousai app are introduced in English. Resources that also explain how to use emergency numbers (110 and 119) for non-Japanese speakers offer particularly high practical value.
Quality of guides on stockpile supplies and go-bags (emergency evacuation bags)
Having a go-bag ready with water, food, a first aid kit, and important documents is considered essential for getting through the first 72 hours after an earthquake. Resources that provide checklists and recommended items in English make it easier to start preparing. Whether a resource includes stockpiling advice specifically for expats living in apartments — such as how to store supplies in a small space — is also a useful evaluation point.
Advice on emergency communication protocols with property managers and landlords
Whether you can reach your property manager or landlord in an emergency is something you should confirm before signing a lease. Resources that provide an English-language checklist of questions to ask — covering contact methods, languages supported, and available hours — help reduce anxiety for expat renters. Whether a resource addresses property management as a pre-move-in checkpoint is also a useful indicator.
| Comparison criteria | Living in Jonan | TIFE Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners 202 | realestateguide.jp | JAPAN Navigator Earthquake | A-Realty Earthquake Safety Procedures Blog |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Living in Jonan |
 TIFE Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners 2026 |
 realestateguide.jp |
 JAPAN Navigator Earthquake Preparedness |
 A-Realty Earthquake Safety Procedures Blog |
|
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Contact for details | Provides a go-bag checklist covering specific disaster supply contents. | Includes information on apartment-specific disaster supplies and emergency bags (Emergency Bag and Supplies for Apartments in Japan). | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents includes disaster supply information (to be confirmed) | Includes guidance on preparing emergency kits. Because content is delivered in blog article format, specific supply provisions per property are not addressed — contact for details. |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Contact for details | Includes information on building safety grades. | Includes information on building checks. Detailed Shin-Taishin and Kyu-Taishin information: contact for details. | Provides earthquake preparedness information for long-term residents. Contact for details on seismic standards. | Includes explanations and comparison of both Shin-Taishin (new seismic standard) and Kyu-Taishin (old seismic standard), provided as a guide for evaluating properties. |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Provides a lifestyle guide for the Jonan area of Tokyo (Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, and surrounding wards). Evacuation site information may be included within the area guide — to be confirmed. | Includes information on evacuation routes | Includes evacuation shelter information for foreign residents (Evacuation Shelters in Japan for Foreign Residents). | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents in Japan includes evacuation information (to be confirmed) | Covers indoor safety procedures under Interior Safety Protocols. Specific property information on evacuation routes and access to evacuation sites: contact for details. |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | English-language lifestyle information site. Details on multilingual emergency support: contact for details. | English-language guide for expats. Covers recommended actions during and after an earthquake, plus essential app information. | English-language guide. Includes explanations of emergency numbers (110 and 119). Also covers typhoon and heavy rain preparedness. | Information provided in English, covering a wide range of daily life and disaster preparedness topics in Japan for expats. | Information for foreign residents provided in English via blog articles covering safety in Tokyo apartments — to be confirmed. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Contact for details | Go-bag checklist includes stockpiling information (water, food, first aid kit, etc.) — to be confirmed. | Covers specific contents of apartment emergency bags and supplies (Emergency Bag and Supplies). | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents in Japan includes stockpile information (to be confirmed) | Includes guidance on emergency kit preparation within the article. Details on recommended supplies (water, food, first aid kit) are explained in the guide — to be confirmed. |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Contact for details | Contact for details | Includes comparison information on management quality, safety, storage, and delivery access. Recommends confirming any unclear rules before moving in. | Contact for details | Covers managing utilities and fire risks under the Managing Utilities and Fire Risks section. Details on emergency contact arrangements with property management companies or landlords: contact for details. |
* This comparison table is based on each service’s official website (Living in Jonan、TIFE Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners 202、realestateguide.jp、JAPAN Navigator Earthquake、A-Realty Earthquake Safety Procedures BlogCompiled based on information available as of July 29, 2026. Items marked ‘to be confirmed’ reflect AI-supplemented information; please check each official site directly for the latest details.
Detailed overview of each service
The sections below provide a detailed breakdown of each resource and service, including what it covers, the scope of information provided, and recommended use cases. Content and availability may change as sites are updated, so we recommend checking each site directly for the latest information.
Living in Jonan
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Contact for details |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Contact for details |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Provides a lifestyle guide for the Jonan area of Tokyo (Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, and surrounding wards). Evacuation site information may be included within the area guide — to be confirmed. |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | English-language lifestyle information site. Details on multilingual emergency support: contact for details. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Contact for details |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Contact for details |
| Official website | https://livinginjyonan.com |
Living in Jonan is an English-language lifestyle guide focused on the Jonan area of Tokyo (Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, and surrounding wards). Because it targets a specific geographic area, it serves as a locally relevant resource for expats living in or planning to move to the Jonan area. It is not a dedicated disaster preparedness service; rather, it is a general lifestyle guide, so disaster-related content may be included as part of the area guide. Many detailed disaster preparedness items require direct inquiry.
- Locally focused information for the Jonan area of Tokyo (Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, and surrounding wards).
- Supports foreign residents as an English-language living information site
- Area guide may include evacuation shelter information (to be confirmed)
- Covers general living information including housing, transportation, and utilities
- Contact for details on the availability and management of disaster preparedness supplies
Who this is best for
- Foreigners living in the Jonan area (around Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, and Shibuya)
- Those looking for English-language local living information for a specific area
- Those seeking a comprehensive living guide that includes local evacuation shelter information
Things to note / Not ideal for:Residents outside the Jonan area will find limited benefit from the area-specific content. As the site is not a dedicated disaster preparedness service, those looking for detailed disaster guides or stockpiling lists may find it insufficient. Note also that many items — including disaster supply provisions, seismic standards, and emergency contact arrangements — require direct inquiry.
Free trial available:Information on the website is available to view free of charge. Whether paid services are offered: to be confirmed.
TIFE Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners 2026
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Provides a go-bag checklist covering specific disaster supply contents. |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Includes information on building safety grades. |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Includes information on evacuation routes |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | English-language guide for expats. Covers recommended actions during and after an earthquake, plus essential app information. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Go-bag checklist includes stockpiling information (water, food, first aid kit, etc.) — to be confirmed. |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Contact for details |
| Official website | https://tokyointernationalmeetup.com/japan-earthquake-preparedness-expats-2026/ |
The TIFE (Tokyo International Meetup) Earthquake Preparedness Guide 2026 is a comprehensive online guide compiled in English for expats living in Japan. It covers a wide range of topics including a go-bag checklist, building safety grades, evacuation route guidance, recommended actions during and after an earthquake, and essential emergency apps. The platform focuses on sharing information with the foreign resident community and presents the content in a clear, practical format.
- Provides a specific checklist for a go-bag (emergency evacuation bag)
- Includes information on building safety grades.
- Provides guidance on evacuation routes
- Clear English-language guide to what to do during and after an earthquake
- Lists essential apps for use in emergencies (smartphone-based)
- Supply information (water, food, first aid kit, etc.) included in the go-bag list (to be confirmed).
Who this is best for
- Those who want to learn go-bag preparation through an English-language checklist
- Those who want to know specific steps to take during and after an earthquake
- Those looking for apps and tools to gather information during emergencies
Things to note / Not ideal for:Information on emergency contact arrangements with property management companies or landlords is limited, and direct inquiry may be necessary. The guide does not address disaster supply provisions on a per-property basis and is intended as a general resource. Those seeking information tied to a specific area or property are advised to use it alongside other resources.
Free trial available:The online guide is free to view (to be confirmed).
realestateguide.jp – Earthquake Preparedness for Apartments in Japan
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Includes information on apartment-specific disaster supplies and emergency bags (Emergency Bag and Supplies for Apartments in Japan). |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Includes information on building checks. Detailed Shin-Taishin and Kyu-Taishin information: contact for details. |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Includes evacuation shelter information for foreign residents (Evacuation Shelters in Japan for Foreign Residents). |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | English-language guide. Includes explanations of emergency numbers (110 and 119). Also covers typhoon and heavy rain preparedness. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Covers specific contents of apartment emergency bags and supplies (Emergency Bag and Supplies). |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Includes comparison information on management quality, safety, storage, and delivery access. Recommends confirming any unclear rules before moving in. |
| Official website | https://realestateguide.jp/earthquake-preparedness-japan-apartment-living/ |
realestateguide.jp is a guide site explaining earthquake preparedness for apartment living in Japan, written in English for foreign residents. It covers apartment-specific disaster supplies and emergency bags (Emergency Bag and Supplies for Apartments in Japan), evacuation shelter information for foreign residents (Evacuation Shelters in Japan for Foreign Residents), how to use emergency numbers (110 and 119), and typhoon and heavy rain preparedness. It also includes comparison information on management quality, safety, storage, and delivery access, making it a practical resource for checking properties before moving in.
- Lists specific emergency bag and disaster preparedness supplies for apartment residents
- Provides evacuation shelter information for foreign residents (Evacuation Shelters for Foreign Residents).
- Includes explanations of emergency numbers (110 and 119) for foreign residents
- Wide-ranging disaster preparedness content including typhoon and heavy rain preparedness
- Comparison information on management quality, safety, storage, and delivery access
- Advice recommending you clarify any unclear rules before moving in
Who this is best for
- Those looking for a disaster preparedness supply list specifically tailored to apartment living
- Foreign residents in Japan who want to check evacuation shelter information in English
- Those who want to compare properties based on management quality and safety before choosing
Things to note / Not ideal for:Some items related to Shin-Taishin and Kyu-Taishin seismic standard details require further confirmation, and those seeking more specialized seismic information may need to consult additional sources. Keep in mind that this is a general guide rather than information tied to a specific area or individual property.
Free trial available:Guide content on the website is free to view (to be confirmed).
JAPAN Navigator Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents includes disaster supply information (to be confirmed) |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Provides earthquake preparedness information for long-term residents. Contact for details on seismic standards. |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents in Japan includes evacuation information (to be confirmed) |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | Information provided in English, covering a wide range of daily life and disaster preparedness topics in Japan for expats. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents in Japan includes stockpile information (to be confirmed) |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Contact for details |
| Official website | https://j-nav.com/japanese-earthquake-preparedness-guide-for-expats/ |
JAPAN Navigator (j-nav.com) is a platform offering broad English-language information on daily life and disaster preparedness in Japan for expats. Its earthquake preparedness guide includes information on emergency supplies, evacuation, and stockpiling for foreign residents. The site functions as a general portal covering life in Japan, with content geared toward long-term residents. Note that many individual items require direct verification on the site.
- Provides a wide range of English-language information on daily life and disaster preparedness in Japan, aimed at expats.
- Earthquake preparedness guide includes disaster supply information (to be confirmed)
- Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents in Japan includes evacuation information (to be confirmed)
- Earthquake preparedness guide for foreign residents includes stockpile information (to be confirmed)
- Wide range of practical information on everyday life in Japan, with a focus on long-term residents
Who this is best for
- Those looking to gather English-language information on everyday life in Japan for long-term residency
- Those who want to find general living information in Japan beyond just disaster preparedness, all in one site
- Those looking for a portal site aimed at the foreign resident community in Japan
Things to note / Not ideal for:Many items, including seismic standard details and emergency contact arrangements with property management companies or landlords, require direct inquiry. The site leans toward broad general lifestyle information rather than in-depth disaster preparedness content, so combining it with other resources is recommended for those seeking detailed information on earthquake readiness.
Free trial available:Content on the website is free to view (to be confirmed).
A-Realty Earthquake Safety Procedures Blog
| Availability of basic disaster preparedness supplies on the premises | Includes guidance on preparing emergency kits. Because content is delivered in blog article format, specific supply provisions per property are not addressed — contact for details. |
| Building seismic standards (post-1981 code / pre-1981 code) | Includes explanations and comparison of both Shin-Taishin (new seismic standard) and Kyu-Taishin (old seismic standard), provided as a guide for evaluating properties. |
| Access to evacuation routes and designated evacuation sites | Covers indoor safety procedures under Interior Safety Protocols. Specific property information on evacuation routes and access to evacuation sites: contact for details. |
| Multilingual support and information sources during emergencies | Information for foreign residents provided in English via blog articles covering safety in Tokyo apartments — to be confirmed. |
| Level of preparation for stockpile supplies (water, food, and first aid kit) | Includes guidance on emergency kit preparation within the article. Details on recommended supplies (water, food, first aid kit) are explained in the guide — to be confirmed. |
| Emergency contact arrangements with property management and owners | Covers managing utilities and fire risks under the Managing Utilities and Fire Risks section. Details on emergency contact arrangements with property management companies or landlords: contact for details. |
| Official website | https://arealty.jp/blog/earthquake-safety-procedure-apartment-japan/ |
The A-Realty (arealty.jp) earthquake safety procedures blog is dedicated to explaining earthquake safety measures for apartments in Japan to foreign residents in English. Its standout feature is a detailed explanation and comparison of both the Shin-Taishin (new seismic standard) and Kyu-Taishin (old seismic standard), offered as a decision-making guide for choosing a property. It also covers practical topics directly relevant to apartment living, including how to prepare emergency kits, interior safety protocols, and managing utilities and fire risks.
- Explains and compares both Shin-Taishin (new seismic standard) and Kyu-Taishin (old seismic standard).
- Easy-to-understand English guide on seismic criteria for evaluating properties
- Explains how to prepare emergency kits and recommended items (to be confirmed).
- Provides guidance on indoor actions during an earthquake under Interior Safety Protocols.
- Explains managing utilities and fire risks (Managing Utilities and Fire Risks).
- Recommended supplies (water, food, first aid kit) covered within the article (to be confirmed).
Who this is best for
- Those who want to understand seismic standards in English when choosing a property
- Those who want to learn specific earthquake response procedures for apartment living
- Those seeking comprehensive safety information covering utility management and fire risks
Things to note / Not ideal for:As a blog-format resource, specific details about disaster supply provisions per property and emergency contact arrangements with management companies are not covered — contact for details. Details on multilingual emergency support also require separate confirmation. Keep in mind that this is a general knowledge resource rather than property-specific information, and use it accordingly.
Free trial available:Blog articles are free to view (to be confirmed).
Frequently asked questions
Summary: How to choose the right Tokyo Earthquake Preparedness resource for Expat Renters: What Your Apartment Should Have
For expat renters living in Tokyo, earthquake preparedness needs to be approached from multiple angles. Each resource introduced in this article has its own strengths and characteristics.
For foreigners living in the Jonan area (around Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, and Shibuya),Living in Jonanserves as a locally relevant lifestyle resource. As it is not a dedicated disaster preparedness service, combining it with other resources is recommended.
For those who want to learn about go-bag preparation and step-by-step procedures for during and after an earthquake in English,TIFE Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Foreigners 2026includes practical content such as specific checklists and essential app information.
For those looking for a comprehensive English-language disaster preparedness guide covering apartment-specific supply lists, evacuation shelter information for foreign residents, and explanations of emergency numbers,realestateguide.jpcomprehensive content coverage is highly useful.
For those who want to find information on long-term life in Japan — including disaster preparedness — all in one place,JAPAN Navigatorportal-style approach is a great fit.
For those who want to thoroughly understand both Shin-Taishin and Kyu-Taishin seismic standards from the property-search stage, and go on to learn about interior safety procedures and utility management,A-Realty Earthquake Safety Procedures Blogexpert yet practical explanations are a useful reference.
Ultimately, rather than relying on a single resource, the best approach for expat renters living in Tokyo is to combine multiple resources based on your specific neighborhood, property situation, Japanese language ability, and current level of preparedness. For all services and guides mentioned, we strongly recommend checking each site directly for the most up-to-date information.
