News viral Indian Woman Shares Why She Was Calm When Earthquake Struck Tokyo At 2 AM: ‘It Comes Down To Trust’
Last Updated:August 24, 2026, 16:50 IST
The woman explained that the Japanese government has improved and continues to improve the infrastructure of the country in such a way to tackle damage caused by seismic activity
She praised Japan’s research, preparedness and disaster-prevention systems (Image: Instagram/@lifeofnicky.injapan)
Woken up by intense shaking and emergency sirens and notifications at 2 AM, an Indian woman living in Japan documented her experience of a powerful earthquake that struck around the southern part of the Ibaraki Prefecture, close to Tokyo on August 23.
While the tremor was strong enough to leave dozens injured and damaged a building, she said Japan’s early-warning system and decades of preparedness made the experience feel less overwhelming. In a post shared on Instagram, Nikita Dugar reflected on how her perspective on earthquakes had changed since moving to Japan.
“It Comes Down To Trust”
She said that despite the frequent seismic activity, she does not live in constant fear of earthquakes and she credited it largely to her trust in Japan’s preparedness and infrastructure.
“One thing I’ve realised since moving to Tokyo this year, is that I was never really concerned about the earthquakes here on a daily basis. And I think it comes down to trust,” she wrote. Trust built from knowing that this country understands its vulnerabilities and has spent decades investing in infrastructure, research, preparedness and disaster-prevention systems.
She explained that Japan’s approach to earthquakes extends far beyond responding after a disaster strikes. “What it has done, after living with them for generations, is build an entire system around reducing what happens when they strike. Earthquake resistant construction, continuous strengthening of buildings, disaster response planning, evacuation systems, public preparedness and infrastructure designed with seismic risk in mind.”
She added, “Even today, Japan continues to revise its plans for scenarios such as a major earthquake directly beneath Tokyo. And that distinction makes the biggest difference to us. A government that cares. A natural disaster may be unavoidable. How seriously a society prepares for it is NOT.”
Alongside her note, she also gave a glimpse into the situation at her home when the earthquake had struck. She revealed that her husband was upstairs, watching a web series with their fur baby, while she was sleeping downstairs when warning notifications went off and everything around them began shaking vigorously. Despite the situation, both of them were seen calm and composed.
Internet Share Their Reaction To The Recent Earthquake In Japan
Her post has since caught the attention of social media users, with many agreeing that while no country can eliminate natural disasters, preparedness towards it can significantly reduce risk and fear.
I’m glad I was up that time and then the alert started, it was scary,” said a user.
“Some of my figures and purses fell down, but living in Japan you learn to react like he is. ‘It will probably be fine and if it’s not what can I do,’” another quipped.
“Was a lil scary. People at the 7/11 were pretty chill about it though,” an individual shared.
A different person shared, “I almost ran but I remember I’m in Japan so back to chill those building can take it.”
Someone else wrote, “It woke me up but I wasn’t concerned since I trust the infrastructure.”
(Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18)
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Key Questions AnsweredPowered by
Ask News18Could other countries adopt Japan’s earthquake preparedness?
Other countries could adopt Japan’s earthquake preparedness strategies, which include earthquake-resistant construction, continuous strengthening of buildings, disaster response planning, evacuation systems, and public preparedness. Japan also has an early-warning system and regularly revises its plans for major earthquake scenarios.
What are the biggest risks for Tokyo in a major earthquake?
Tokyo faces a 70% chance of a major earthquake with a magnitude over 7 within the next 30 years, which could paralyse the entire country. The city holds 30% of Japan’s population and generates a fifth of its income.
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First Published:
August 24, 2026, 16:50 IST
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