Tokyo's New Earthquake Resistance Measures
(Seismic retrofitting can help secure emergency transportation roads during times of crisis)Tokyo
■ Overview
Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and its earthquake resistance standards for buildings are some of the strictest in the world.
However, in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, buildings constructed to former earthquake resistance standards (built prior to 1981) collapsed and blocked principal roadways, thereby causing problems for emergency rescue and firefighting operations.
During ordinary times, principal roadways are used by many people and vehicles. Additionally, in times of emergency, they become lifelines supporting evacuations, emergency medical and firefighting services, the transportation of supplies, and restoration and reconstruction activities.
On March 11, 2011, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) formulated Japan's first ordinance promoting the seismic retrofitting of buildings along emergency transport roads.
The ordinance designates important principal roadways, and obligates owners of roadside buildings to: ① submit reports on the current earthquake resistance status of their buildings, ② implement earthquake resistance diagnoses, and
③ carry out seismic retrofitting.
 Roadway blocked by collapsed roadside building
* Photo provided courtesy of the Institute for Fire Safety & Disaster Preparedness
 Designating emergency transportation roads (1,000km in total length ）
■ Period of Implementation
- Ordinance enacted on April 1, 2011
■ Features
- As a rule, earthquake resistance diagnoses conducted between April 2011 and March 2014 will be fully subsidized.
Excellent Japanese earthquake resistance technology, including new seismic retrofitting methods currently under development such as seismic isolators and seismic dampers, will be utilized.
With this forward-thinking initiative and world-leading earthquake resistance technology, the TMG aims to complete seismic retrofitting of roadside buildings by 2015, realizing a safe, disaster-resistant Tokyo able to withstand even major earthquakes.
■ Outcomes / Achievements
■ Cost
■ Inquiries
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Building Planning Section, Urban Building Division, Bureau of Urban Development, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
（Tel ）+81-3-5388-3362
（Mail Address）S0000168@section.metro.tokyo.jp
■ Related Links
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