The recent Magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck off the coast of Aomori, triggering tsunami warnings for Japan’s northern coast, highlighted the immediate activation of Japan’s sophisticated emergency systems. Beyond the technology, however, the human response was equally crucial. Among those affected, the composed and swift actions of Taiwanese tourists stood out, offering a valuable example of how international visitors can navigate Japan’s frequent seismic events.
1. The Context: A Powerful Quake and Tsunami Threat
The offshore Mw 7.6 earthquake near Aomori and Hokkaido generated significant shaking and prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue tsunami warnings for coastal regions. News reports confirmed that tsunami waves of up to 40 cm were observed in areas like Aomori and Hokkaido, necessitating rapid evacuation.
In this high-stress environment, the behavior of all individuals—locals and tourists alike—was put to the test.
2. Why Taiwanese Tourists’ Response Was Commendable
Taiwan, like Japan, is situated on the seismically active “Ring of Fire” and experiences frequent earthquakes. This shared geological reality often translates into a higher level of disaster awareness and preparedness among Taiwanese visitors, who are generally familiar with earthquake drills and emergency protocols.
Their response demonstrated four key areas of composure:
Example 1: Immediate Self-Protection (The “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” Rule)
When the initial strong tremor struck, reports from hotels and public facilities indicated that Taiwanese tour groups instinctively reacted without panic.
- Concrete Example: A Taiwanese family dining in a coastal restaurant in Hachinohe (Aomori Prefecture) immediately followed the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol. Instead of rushing for the exit, they ducked under a sturdy table and waited for the shaking to subside. This saved them from potential injury from falling objects—a stark contrast to others who might have instinctively run, risking a fall or being hit.
Example 2: Swift and Orderly Evacuation
Upon hearing the JMA’s tsunami warning and the subsequent instructions from hotel staff, the tourists did not hesitate, but they evacuated in an organized manner.
- Concrete Example: At a large hotel in Aomori City, a guided group from Taipei quickly gathered their essential items (passports, phones, wallets) from their pre-packed emergency kits and proceeded calmly to the designated rooftop or high-floor shelter area, following the instructions of the staff and their tour leader. They avoided using elevators and did not obstruct local residents during the stairwell evacuation.
Example 3: Effective Communication with Authorities
The composure extended to clear communication, ensuring their safety status was known and they were not a burden on the overwhelmed emergency services.
- Concrete Example: Tour leaders proactively contacted their local travel agencies and the Japanese hotel management, confirming the number of people in their group and their exact location post-evacuation. This diligence helped local authorities focus their resources on search and rescue, rather than searching for potentially missing tourists.
Example 4: Respecting Local Protocols
Crucially, the visitors demonstrated respect for the established Japanese safety and communication procedures.
- Concrete Example: When transportation (trains and highways) was temporarily suspended, instead of demanding immediate alternative travel or creating a disturbance, the tourists patiently waited for official clearance. They relied on information from official channels (JMA, hotel broadcasts) translated by their guides, rather than spreading rumors on social media.
3. A Lesson for All International Travelers
The calm and prepared response of the Taiwanese tourists provides a vital lesson for all foreign visitors to Japan:
- Acknowledge the Risk: Japan is seismically active. Expect earthquakes.
- Learn the Basics: Know the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” principle.
- Prepare a Quick Kit: Keep your passport, medication, cash, and phone accessible at all times, especially when sleeping in coastal areas.
- Follow Local Instructions: When an alert is issued, the priority is to follow the instructions of hotel staff, local police, and official JMA warnings (Tsunami Warning/Advisory). Immediately evacuate to higher ground or a designated shelter.
The Aomori Mw 7.6 earthquake demonstrated that preparedness is not just for residents. For international travelers, understanding and respecting Japan’s world-class disaster management system can be the difference between panic and safety.