Guideto Japan
Sep 1, 2026
Held on September 1 each year in Japan, Disaster Preparedness Day is a time for thinking about and practicing how to respond to a potential future disaster.
Japan’s Disaster Preparedness Day takes place each year on September 1, the same date that the Great Kantō Earthquake devastated the Tokyo area in 1923, killing more than 100,000 people. This is also a time of year when typhoons are common. The day was established in 1960 to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rain.
Around this time, there are many disaster drills held by the national government, local authorities, businesses and schools. Members of the public are encouraged to check their emergency supplies, familiarize themselves with their local hazard map, and confirm the location of their designated evacuation shelter.
(Originally written in English. Banner image © Pixta.)