Prone to major earthquakes that trigger fires and tsunamis, Japan has become a world leader in building disaster-resilient communities. Three experts in public policy and urban development told Business Insider that, over many decades, strategic planning, a culture of disaster preparedness, and regularly updated building codes have helped Japan produce neighborhoods and cities that can better withstand seismic shocks and other disasters.
While Japan experiences more regular and severe seismic activity than most of the US, the country’s approach to disaster resilience could offer a model for American communities prone to major fires, floods, earthquakes, and other destructive events, especially as they increase in frequency.
