Japan’s megaquake threat

Japan’s megaquake threat

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

April 24, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

This episode explores Japan's preparedness for major earthquakes, focusing on the recent magnitude 7.7 quake and historical events.

How prepared is Japan for a major earthquake? The country has been on high alert for aftershocks since this week’s magnitude 7.7 quake, with thousands of people urged to seek higher ground. Scientists have warned for decades that a powerful quake along the Nankai Trough could strike, triggering potentially devastating tsunamis and widespread destruction. In this episode of Asia Specific, we explore the history of major earthquakes in Japan, including the 2011 disaster, examine whether such events can be predicted and assess how prepared Japan really is. Host Mariko Oi is joined by former BBC Japan correspondent Ruper Wingfield-Hayes and Asia Specific journalist Derek Cai. This episode was recorded on 22 April. You can hear a BBC World Service drama about the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant - when Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 – by searching for Dramas: Fukushima wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Alternatively, you can click on the link here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/series/w27vqlc9 Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Ruper Wingfield-Hayes, Derek Cai

Topics covered

  • earthquake preparedness
  • Japan
  • Nankai Trough
  • tsunamis
  • historical earthquakes
  • disaster response

Keywords

  • Japan
  • earthquake
  • Nankai Trough
  • tsunami
  • disaster preparedness
  • 2011 earthquake
  • aftershocks

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Dramas: Fukushima

Places: Japan, Nankai Trough

More episodes of Asia Specific

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Asia Specific podcast page.