Useful Free Apps and Websites to Protect You from Natural Disasters in Japan
When natural disasters happen (such an earthquakes or typhoons), it's important to obtain accurate information that is easy to understand. There are several Apps and Websites which are provide this information in English. Here are some of the must-have Apps to prepare you for natural disasters along with some informative websites.
Safety Tips for iOS and Android
Safety Tips is a great app to instal while you are in Japan. It notifies you with Weather Warnings, Earthquake Early Warnings, Volcanic Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, Heat Stroke Warnings and Civil Protection Information issued in Japan.
Supported Languages (iOS):
English, Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese
Supported Languages (Android):
English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, span Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai
Safety Tips is linked with the following external apps
NAVITIME for Japan
https://www.navitime.co.jp/pcstorage/html/japan_travel/english/
Once you install the app, go to More > Disaster Information
Japan Official Travel App
https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/about.html
Once you install the app, go to Home > Safety Assistance
Disaster Preparedness Tokyo App
Tokyo Disaster Preparedness Guide is created by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This app includes disaster prevention maps, disaster guides, simulations, quizzes, and an emergency alarm.
You can also check evacuation information, weather information, earthquake information, tsunami information, and volcano information in your registered area and in Tokyo.
Supported Languages: Japanese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean (some content can be available only in Japanese)
NHK WORLD JAPAN TV and Radio
NHK provides free apps to keep you up to date with the latest stories from Japan, Asia, and around the world.
NHK World TV
NHK World Radio
BOSAI on NHK World
Bosai means disaster prevention. NHK World's BOSAI Web has radio programs, videos, tutorials about how to craft safety, interesting quizzes etc. The content is very useful and it's definitely worth a visit.
Radio News in English
American Forces Network (Eagle 810)
InterFM
Free Wi-Fi 00000JAPAN
When disaster happens in Japan, you can use a Free Wi-Fi connection called 00000JAPAN (Five Zeros Japan). Please read our article Emergency Free Wi-Fi Service 00000JAPAN for details.
Japan Visitor Hotline (24h in English, Chinese and Korean)
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a Japan Visitor Hotline which is available 24/7. You can call them not only about tourist information but also for assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies. Support languages are English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
TEL: 050-3816-2787
Information about Transportations in the Event of Disaster
You can find the latest status on their website. Please check the latest information before taking the train or going to the airport. Click the images to see details.
JR EAST
https://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/
Tokyo Metro English Website
JR WEST English Website
Japan Airlines English Website
All Nippon Airways English Website
Disaster Prevention Apps for Minato, Chuo and Setagaya Cities
These cities below provides Disaster Prevention Apps in English, you can download them for free.
Minato City Disaster Prevention App
Available in iOS and Android, the supported languages are English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Chuo City Disaster Prevention App
Available in iOS and Android, the supported languages are English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Setagaya City Disaster Prevention App
Available in iOS and Android, the supported languages are English and Japanese.
Emergency Kits for Evacuation
These are well selected this article for more details.
Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Bags in Japan
While in Japan, it's best to be prepared for an emergency evacuation at all times. It is important to have an evacuation kit ready in case of an emergency evacuation in Japan due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, or the loss of a lifeline.
Earthquake App Options: 6 Smart Choices for your Smartphone
Stay up-to-date on earthquakes that might be coming by using an earthquake app. Whether you're a Japan expat or you simply want to keep safe, try these 6 options.
Emergency Telephone Numbers in Japan
List of phone numbers for emergency in Japan such as police, fire department, ambulance, and other useful phone numbers.
Japanese warning system - J-ALERT
J-ALERT is Japan's National Instant Warning System. The alert will come when the government transmits emergency information instantly to the residents of the whole country. The Meteorological Agency transmits information to the system about an earthquake, a tsunami, a volcano, etc. The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for sending information about ballistic missiles, aviation attacks, guerrilla attacks, mega terrorism, etc.
Japan Typhoon Season: How to Prepare for a Disaster
While earthquakes are the most associated natural disaster with Japan, typhoon season should be taken seriously as well. Learn how to prepare with this guide.
Floods in Tokyo and Safety Tips and Preparation
Explore Japan's rainfall patterns, flood risks, and prevention strategies. Learn about guerrilla rainstorms, river levels, and disaster preparedness in Tokyo.
