The Great Kanto Earthquake

The Great Kanto Earthquake struck Japan on September 1, 1923, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale. Centered near Tokyo and Yokohama, it caused widespread destruction and fires, killing an estimated 140,000 people. The disaster led to the collapse of buildings, infrastructure damage, and chaos in the aftermath. It had significant social and political effects, including heightened anti-Korean sentiment, as rumors blamed Koreans for looting. The earthquake prompted major changes in Japan’s urban planning and disaster response strategies, shaping how the nation prepared for future seismic events.