1923 Japan earthquake

The 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake struck Japan's Kanto region, including Tokyo and Yokohama, on September 1, causing massive destruction. It had a magnitude of 7.9 and resulted from movement along the complex fault system beneath the area. The earthquake triggered widespread fires, collapsing buildings and infrastructure, leading to over 140,000 deaths. The disaster profoundly impacted Japan’s society and prompted major changes in urban planning and disaster preparedness. It remains one of the most devastating earthquakes in Japan’s history, illustrating the region's seismic vulnerability due to its geology and densely populated urban centers.