Strong Earthquake in Japan — Were Okay in Tokyo

# Strong Earthquake in Japan — Were Okay in Tokyo

## Overview

On the evening of March 16, 2022, a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture in northeastern Japan. With a magnitude of 7.3–7.4 and a Shindo (seismic intensity) of 6 in the Tohoku region, the quake was felt across wide swaths of eastern Japan, including Tokyo, where John Daub and his family experienced strong shaking in their apartment. John, who was editing a video when the earthquake hit, captured raw, immediate footage of the event — the shaking apartment, items rattling in the kitchen, and his instinctive reaction to check on his wife Kanae and their son Leo.

This video is an unfiltered, first-person account of experiencing a significant earthquake in Japan. Rather than a polished travel guide, it serves as a candid personal diary and an authentic demonstration of what it feels like to be caught in a natural disaster — the adrenaline, the uncertainty, and the lessons learned in real time. John also reflects on the far more devastating March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, drawing on his own memories of that terrifying event and his subsequent volunteer work in the affected Tohoku region. The video closes with practical advice for anyone who might experience an earthquake in Japan and a heartfelt message of solidarity with those in the disaster zone and beyond.

## Highlights

- **[00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=1s)** John records himself just minutes after a powerful earthquake strikes, providing a raw, immediate account from his Tokyo apartment.
- **[00:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=33s)** He describes the adrenaline rush and the disorienting "deer in headlights" feeling that follows a major quake, still audible in his voice.
- **[00:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=53s)** John shares a premonition-like sense that "something was going to happen" in the days leading up to the earthquake.
- **[01:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=67s)** On the baby monitor, he sees Kanae instinctively climbing on top of Leo to shield him — a deeply human moment captured by chance.
- **[01:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=101s)** Footage from inside the apartment shows the kitchen in chaos — the refrigerator, instant ramen, and a bag of cookies visibly shaking.
- **[02:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=131s)** John was mid-video-edit when the quake hit, and his first instinct — after a moment of shock — was to press record.
- **[02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=162s)** NHK news is shown with a live map revealing the epicenter near Fukushima and a tsunami warning for the coast.
- **[04:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=267s)** John recounts the terrifying March 11, 2011 earthquake, when the shaking was so violent he could not stand upright on the asphalt and had to sit down on the road.
- **[05:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=329s)** An important safety lesson: you never know how intense an earthquake will be, so resist the urge to walk around filming — get under a table instead.
- **[06:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=368s)** John advises viewers on proper earthquake response: stay away from windows, get under sturdy furniture, and follow staff directions at restaurants or public places.
- **[07:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=436s)** The NHK broadcast confirms magnitude 7.3 with Shindo 6 in Fukushima — a massive reading — and the tsunami warning is later lifted.
- **[12:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=726s)** John reflects on the psychological terror of the creaking sounds of an apartment building under stress, calling it the most frightening aspect.

## Timeline / Chapters

| Timestamp | Event |
|-----------|-------|
| 00:01–00:32 | John records an introduction moments after the earthquake, identifying the epicenter as Fukushima, magnitude 7.3–7.4, Shindo 6. He describes the lingering adrenaline. |
| 00:33–01:07 | John reflects on the disorienting "deer in headlights" sensation and describes feeling geological movement before the quake. He mentions the live stream earlier that day where he predicted something was coming. |
| 01:08–01:40 | Footage from inside the apartment during the shaking; John explains he went to check on Kanae and Leo. He reveals the baby monitor showed Kanae shielding Leo. |
| 01:41–02:10 | John confesses his initial reaction was to push record, not protect his family. He was editing a video when the earthquake struck. |
| 02:11–02:41 | Footage of the shaking apartment; John explains the NHK news is displaying magnitude, epicenter depth, and a tsunami warning for Fukushima. |
| 02:42–03:21 | Discussion of the sounds of an earthquake — the rumble of buildings swaying throughout the city. Reporters mention areas including Quesanuma near Sendai. |
| 03:22–03:52 | The aftermath inside the apartment: items fell from shelves, instant ramen and a cookie bag shaking on the refrigerator door. |
| 03:53–04:26 | John teaches an important lesson: you never know an earthquake's intensity until it's happening, which is why walking around filming is dangerous. |
| 04:27–05:28 | Powerful personal recollection of the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, when the shaking was so violent he could not stand on the road and had to sit down. |
| 05:29–06:07 | Self-criticism for not seeking cover; advice for viewers visiting Japan on earthquake safety protocols. |
| 06:08–06:42 | John describes evacuation procedures at restaurants and public places, emphasizing that Japanese people are trained but visitors should follow staff guidance. |
| 06:43–07:15 | NHK confirms magnitude 7.3 and Shindo 6 in the Tohoku region; Tokyo experienced Shindo 4–5. |
| 07:16–07:47 | John acknowledges the earthquake was significant for Tokyo but that most residents likely returned to sleep; people in Fukushima and Miyagi face more serious consequences. |
| 07:48–08:17 | The tsunami warning is lifted; John advises people in the Sendai/Tohoku area to remain cautious due to ongoing aftershocks. |
| 08:18–08:47 | John shares that he was in Tokyo during the 2011 earthquake, editing comedy videos, and froze at his desk. He draws parallels to the earthquake simulation experience he filmed previously. |
| 08:48–09:53 | Deep reflection on the 2011 earthquake's aftermath: the constant aftershocks, the seasick feeling, his volunteer work in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate. |
| 09:54–10:24 | John addresses viewers directly, offering to connect on Discord and confirming that in Tokyo this was not a call-your-friends-level event. |
| 10:25–11:00 | He sends well-wishes to people in the affected Tohoku region and in Ukraine, reflecting on how earthquakes shift one's perspective on life. |
| 11:01–11:33 | Closing remarks: plans to upload the video the next evening, invitation to join Discord for late-night conversation, and a request for comments. |
| 11:34–12:06 | John reflects on the scariest part of the earthquake — the sounds of the apartment building creaking under stress. |
| 12:07–12:37 | Final thoughts on the psychological terror of the sounds; he jokes about the Blair Witch Project but cuts himself off, acknowledging it's after midnight. |
| 12:38–12:58 | Goodbye message — John says he will try to sleep, will be on Discord, and bids everyone good night. |

## Japan Travel Tips

- **Know earthquake safety protocols before you visit.** When you feel an earthquake, resist the urge to run around or film — immediately get under a sturdy table or desk, away from windows and heavy objects that could fall.
- **Follow staff directions in public spaces.** At restaurants, malls, or hotels, staff are trained for emergencies and will guide you to designated safe areas. Listen to them.
- **After a major earthquake, go to an open area like a park.** Especially in coastal areas where tsunami warnings may be issued, move to higher ground or designated evacuation zones.
- **Download reliable emergency apps.** NHK World and Japan's official disaster information services provide real-time updates on earthquake intensity (shindo), tsunami warnings, and aftershock forecasts.
- **Understand the difference between magnitude and shindo.** Magnitude measures the earthquake's energy at the source; *shindo* (震度) measures the intensity of shaking at a specific location. A lower-magnitude quake can still produce high shindo readings depending on proximity and local geology.
- **Expect aftershocks.** After a significant earthquake, aftershocks can continue for hours or days. They can be nearly as strong as the main quake — always maintain vigilance even after the shaking stops.
- **Tsunami warnings are serious and time-sensitive.** If a tsunami warning is issued for a coastal area, move to high ground immediately. Warnings can be upgraded, downgraded, or lifted rapidly as conditions change.
- **Earthquakes are common but manageable in Japan.** Japan has world-class building codes, early warning systems, and a culture of disaster preparedness. With basic knowledge and calm action, you can stay safe.
- **Japan's earthquake early warning system works.** Phones and broadcast systems often give a few seconds of advance notice — pay attention to these alerts.

## Japanese Language & Culture Notes

- **Shindo (震度):** Japan's proprietary seismic intensity scale, ranging from 0 to 7 (with subdivisions of 5 and 6 into "lower" and "upper"). It measures the actual shaking felt at a specific location, unlike the global magnitude scale. John references Shindo 6 as massive — the second-highest tier — meaning severe, destructive shaking.
- **Magnitude vs. Intensity:** The March 16 earthquake was magnitude 7.3 (energy released at the source, off the coast of Fukushima), but Tokyo experienced only Shindo 4–5 because of the distance and geological conditions. This distinction is critical for understanding why Tokyo felt it strongly but less catastrophically than the Tohoku region.
- **NHK (日本放送協会):** Japan's public broadcaster operates a 24-hour emergency broadcasting network. During disasters, NHK switches to live emergency coverage with real-time maps, shaking intensity data, and tsunami warnings — exactly what John is watching during this video.
- **Tsunami Warning System:** Japan classifies tsunami warnings in tiers — Minor (小型), Watch (注意報), and Warning/Alert (警報). The yellow line John mentions on the NHK broadcast represents the tsunami warning zone on their live map. These warnings can be issued within minutes of a major undersea earthquake.
- **Earthquake Preparedness Culture:** Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-ready societies. Schools, offices, and homes conduct regular drills. Furniture is often secured to walls. Emergency supply kits are common. This cultural preparedness is why Japanese people may appear calm during shaking — but visitors should not mistake calm for complacency.
- **Aftershocks (余震 / yoshin):** After a major quake, aftershocks are frequent and can sometimes approach the original earthquake's strength. John describes the 2011 aftershocks arriving every five minutes, making him physically ill — a condition sometimes called "aftershock sickness."
- **Tohoku Region (東北地方):** The northeastern region of Honshu comprising Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures. It was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The March 16, 2022 earthquake occurred in roughly the same area, reviving painful memories for residents.
- **The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake:** On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.1 undersea earthquake off the coast of Miyagi triggered a massive tsunami that devastated the Tohoku coast, killing nearly 20,000 people and causing the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. John lived through the main quake and a major aftershock in Tokyo, then later volunteered in the disaster zone.

## Food & Drink Guide

*(No food or drink items are featured in this video.)*

## People

- **John Daub** — Host, narrator, and primary subject. An American who has lived in Japan for over 30 years, John recorded this raw, immediate personal account from his Tokyo apartment immediately after feeling the earthquake. He shares candid reflections on his own imperfect instincts during the quake, vivid memories of the 2011 disaster, and volunteer work in the Tohoku region. His mix of humor, vulnerability, and genuine concern for others defines the video's tone.
- **Kanae Daub** — John's Japanese wife. She is briefly seen on the baby monitor footage protecting their infant son Leo during the shaking. Her instinctive maternal response — climbing on top of Leo — is one of the video's most touching moments. Kanae is described as doing okay in the aftermath.
- **Leo** — John's infant son. Present in the apartment during the earthquake, Leo was shielded by Kanae. His safety was John's primary concern as he rushed to check on his family.
- **Quesanuma (瓜沼?)** — A reporter John mentions seeing on NHK, who was broadcasting live from the Sendai area. His presence underscores the severity of the quake in the Tohoku region.
- **Peter von Gomm** — John's longtime American friend living in Japan, referenced ("He's in Sendai right now") as being in the affected area. John's concern for Peter's safety reflects the community-minded spirit of the video.

## Key Takeaways

1. **Your first instinct in an earthquake may not be the right one.** John's honest admission that his first reaction was to press record rather than protect his family is a powerful reminder that disaster training matters — even a few seconds of correct response can save lives.
2. **You never know how strong an earthquake will be until it's happening.** The intensity can escalate rapidly, throwing you off your feet. This unpredictability is why the safest action is always immediate: drop, cover, and hold on.
3. **Japan's earthquake infrastructure and culture are extraordinary.** NHK's immediate, silent, data-rich broadcasts; the rapid issuance of tsunami warnings; and the trained response of restaurant and venue staff all demonstrate a society deeply organized around disaster resilience.
4. **Magnitude and shaking intensity are not the same.** A magnitude 7.3 earthquake can produce Shindo 6 in one location and Shindo 4 in another. Understanding this helps contextualize why Tokyo can feel a "big" quake without the devastation seen closer to the epicenter.
5. **Earthquakes change how you value life.** John's reflection that a big quake is an "eye-opening moment" captures a universal truth about surviving natural disasters — they force a confrontation with vulnerability and the preciousness of everyday safety.
6. **Aftershocks can be nearly as dangerous and psychologically damaging as the main quake.** The constant, unpredictable nature of aftershocks — feeling seasick, being unable to function normally — is a lesser-known but critical aspect of earthquake survival.
7. **Japan's 2011 disaster remains a living memory for those who experienced it.** John's vivid recollection of the 2011 earthquake — the exact position of his desk, the direction of the shaking — shows how profoundly traumatic events are etched into memory.

## Notable Quotes

> **[00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=1s)** "So about 20 minutes ago we had a really strong earthquake we experienced here in Tokyo. It was actually epicenter was up in Fukushima. The News is saying 7.3, 7.4 on the Richter scale, Shindo 6, the intensity, which is really strong."

> **[00:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=53s)** "I could just feel this for the last couple of days. Something was going to happen."

> **[01:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=101s)** "My initial reaction was I was like a deer in headlights. And then after a second I'm like, wait, I gotta go and protect the family. I'm surprised it didn't happen a little bit earlier. I guess my first instinct was to push record."

> **[03:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=233s)** "The one thing that I learned about earthquakes is you don't know what the intensity of it is going to be when it's happening."

> **[04:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=267s)** "I went outside to the street and I couldn't stand up on the asphalt on the road. I couldn't stand up. It felt like I was on a bus."

> **[05:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=329s)** "The last thing you should do is go around your house filming things. You should probably get underneath the table, which is what I didn't do."

> **[08:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=528s)** "I was editing videos then, too. This is before YouTube. I was editing these comedy videos I put on iTunes back then. And I froze at the desk. I still remember the position of the desk where I was. What I was looking at."

> **[09:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=558s)** "It's like when you live through it, you remember every single part of it. Like a record player when the needle goes over those grooves to make a sound."

> **[11:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=661s)** "When you go through an earthquake like this and you don't know how strong it's going to be, you do value life a little bit more seriously."

> **[12:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSxUMIySP_k&t=726s)** "The sounds of what scares me more than the movements. Just everything sound. Everything moving and creaking around you. It's not a good sound."

## Related Topics

- Earthquakes in Japan and the science of seismic activity
- Japan's disaster preparedness and early warning systems
- The March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami
- Living as a foreigner in Japan and experiencing natural disasters
- The Tohoku region — its history, recovery, and ongoing vulnerability
- Emergency response culture in Japan
- NHK's role in disaster broadcasting
- Family life in Japan during natural disasters

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