Fukui Prefecture (福井県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Chubu region · Based on HERP official data
Fukui was devastated by the 1948 Fukui earthquake (M7.1), which prompted Japan to introduce its first seismic building standards. Active faults run through the prefecture, which also hosts Japan's highest concentration of nuclear power plants.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Mudo Fault System
- W Hokuriku Fault
Seismic Characteristics
Fukui was the epicenter of the 1948 Fukui earthquake (M7.1) — the disaster that led Japan to introduce its first seismic building code. The Mudo Fault Zone and Hokuriku West Fault run through the prefecture. Fukui hosts Japan's highest concentration of nuclear power plants (Oi, Takahama, Mihama), making it important to monitor Nuclear Regulation Authority statements alongside JMA alerts during any significant seismic event.
Earthquake History
- M7.1
1948
Fukui earthquake — ~40% of Fukui City buildings destroyed; 3,769 dead
- M7.6
2024
Noto Peninsula Earthquake — Intensity 4–5- observed in northern Fukui; indirect impact
📖 Wikipedia
※ Showing M6.5+ or Intensity 5+ events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. The 1948 disaster highlights risk from pre-code building stock. The nuclear plant density in this prefecture warrants particular attention to official emergency communications.
Traveler Safety Information
Finding Evacuation Shelters
- ✅ Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
- ✅ Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
- ✅ Fukui Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps
Basic Action Rules
- ✅ At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
- ✅ On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
- ✅ Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
- ✅ Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
- ✅ Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance
Research & Official Sources AI summary
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The 1948 Fukui earthquake and Japan's seismic building code history
The 1948 Fukui earthquake destroyed much of Fukui City and prompted Japan to introduce its first seismic building standard. Fukui Prefecture has been actively upgrading older buildings ever since.
Source: 후쿠이현 방재안전과 (2020) -
Visiting Fukui: safety near nuclear plants and earthquake preparedness
Fukui hosts Japan's highest concentration of nuclear power plants — Oi, Takahama, Mihama. During any earthquake, monitor official statements from the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). Major tourist sites (Echizen coast, Fukui Dinosaur Museum) are tens of kilometers from the plants and operate normally.
Source: 원자력규제위원회·후쿠이현 관광과 (2023)
Related Guides
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.