Earthquake safety at the British School in Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the British School is not only a center for international education but also a model of preparedness and safety. The school was created in partnership with Mori Building, one of Japan's leading urban developers, and is located within the cutting-edge Azabudai Hills complex. This cooperation ensures that the school benefits from the latest earthquake monitoring technologies and robust emergency protocols. As a result, it stands out as an example of earthquake resilience in one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

The legacy of earthquakes in Japan

Japan's geographic location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Historical events such as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 serve as stark reminders of the potential devastation.

With a 70% chance of a major earthquake hitting Tokyo within the next 30 years, earthquake resilience is more important than ever.

Earthquake resistant architecture

During a workshop held on January 17 at the school, representatives from Mori Building shared their insights into the design principles that make their structures earthquake-resistant. A demonstration using paper models demonstrated how buildings of different shapes react to seismic activity. Participants learned that shorter buildings often shake more during typical earthquakes, while taller skyscrapers are more susceptible to slower, longer-lasting ground motion.

To counter these effects, Mori Building incorporates innovative features such as brackets and viscous damping panels into its designs.

Brackets – wood, steel or concrete – enhance structural rigidity and reduce vibration. Viscous damping panels, which have been installed throughout the British School's campus, absorb seismic energy through a mechanism that involves a thick liquid inside iron containers.

This advanced technology ensures that buildings remain operational even after a major earthquake.

One student who took part in the event said: “I enjoyed learning how to stabilize buildings during earthquakes. The explanation about the braces was great – it's amazing how such simple additions can make such a big difference.”

Emergency preparedness

David James, Deputy Director of the British School, stressed the importance of preparing for the post-earthquake phase. With the possibility of disruption to transportation networks, the school maintains a stock of essential supplies to support students and staff for extended periods.

Food: Thousands of gluten-free, halal rice flour cakes are stocked, to meet diverse dietary needs. These cookies have an impressive shelf life of up to seven years.

Students experiment with halal and gluten-free rice flour crackers (© JAPAN Forward by Danielle Manning).

Water: Abundant drinking water ensures hydration during emergencies.

Thermal Blankets: Lightweight aluminum blankets provide warmth and protection from the elements.

Portable Toilets: Equipped with powder liners that freeze waste for safe disposal, these toilets are essential in the event of plumbing failure.

Air Mattresses: These mattresses are designed for comfort and provide a place to rest during an extended stay at school.

Participants had the opportunity to try on some of these items, including cookies and blankets. “The blankets were surprisingly warm, even though they had no fur. They are light and easy to carry, which makes them really practical in emergency situations,” one student noted.

Regarding the biscuits, the same student commented, “At first it was good, but the taste was no longer great after a while.”

Continuous improvement

British school readiness goes beyond stocks. Regular drills are conducted to simulate fire and earthquake scenarios, ensuring that staff and students are well-versed in evacuation procedures. Feedback from these drills is used to improve safety measures. The school also plans to engage parents more actively through workshops and outreach initiatives, to help families prepare for emergencies.

James highlighted the importance of tailored checklists for staff, students and parents. “We have a checklist for staff and students, what they do before an earthquake, in preparation for it, and what they do during and after it,” he explained.

“One of our main goals now is to engage parents more actively. We want to make sure they know how to prepare their children for earthquakes and what steps to take if it happens during the school day or while on the go.”

A student sits on a portable toilet (© JAPAN Forward by Danielle Manning). Building a culture of safety

The collaboration between The British School and Mori Building reflects a shared commitment to safety and resilience. Mori Building's philosophy of creating “places to escape to and not from” is echoed in its design of Azabudai Hills, which houses the school. The buildings exceed government-mandated safety standards, demonstrating their dedication to protecting their occupants during emergencies.

Students and staff alike expressed their appreciation for the practical experience provided during the training. One student said: “I want to prepare for earthquakes and put this kind of equipment in my house so I can be safe.”

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Author: Daniel Manning

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