Japan is stepping up preparations for one of the most devastating natural disasters it could face: a massive earthquake along the Nankai Trough. Scientists warn that such an event could unleash enormous tsunamis, destroy entire communities, and cause damage across much of the country.
With the launch of a new national disaster agency on November 2, 2026, the government is urging households to prepare for prolonged disruptions. Read on to discover what makes this earthquake so dangerous, and how Japan is getting ready.