8.8-magnitude earthquake exposes global risk: Here's how Japan's buildings use shock tech, smart paint, & insurance to stay safe

Time of India

30-07-2025

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula sent tsunami warnings across parts of Japan, the US, and Russia. While some regions braced for disaster, Japan's buildings largely stayed safe and undamaged owing to decades of planning, evolving construction laws, and smart engineering. This isn't new for Japan. The country has developed one of the world's most earthquake-resistant building systems, and here's how it works.
Japan's construction laws were made stricter after the 1981 earthquake
Most modern Japanese buildings are incredibly resistant to earthquakes. That's largely because of the Building Standard Law of 1981, which was a game-changer. All buildings constructed after this year are required to follow upgraded seismic resistance standards. In simple terms: the law ensures new buildings are built to sway with quakes instead of snapping.
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The law hasn't stayed still either. It has been updated several times, with the latest changes made in 2021. These continuous updates help structures stay prepared for modern-day earthquakes, including ones as strong as magnitude 8 or 9.
New buildings must pass earthquake resistance tests
Newly built houses and buildings in Japan aren't approved casually. They must pass strict inspections and be officially marked as 'Earthquake-Resistant Buildings'. To sell such a building, a property developer must share a certified inspection report or a certificate of conformity to government standards with the buyer. This makes it harder to skip safety steps or cut corners.
Old buildings must be retrofitted or declared unsafe
What about older buildings? Anything built before 1981 is considered at risk. If someone wants to sell such a structure, they must first check its earthquake resistance levels. If it fails, it either needs to be retrofitted—which means upgraded with new technology—or the buyer must be informed that it doesn't meet safety standards.
Retrofitting support: From free diagnosis to government grants
To encourage retrofitting, Japan's government provides financial support. Local municipalities often offer free diagnosis services to check older buildings for earthquake resistance. If a building fails, the government provides financial assistance for the cost of retrofitting it. Some insurance companies even offer up to 50% discounts on premiums for buildings that meet modern earthquake-resistance levels.
Tokyo's Skytree can withstand a magnitude 9 quake
Japan doesn't just build homes this way—it builds giant towers and skyscrapers with earthquake resistance too. Take the Tokyo Skytree, for example. It's Japan's tallest tower and the third tallest structure in the world. It can reportedly withstand an earthquake as strong as magnitude 9.0.
Its secret lies in its base. The tower sits on a thick rubber foundation, and its central column is built like a traditional pagoda, which naturally resists shaking. Add in oil dampers that absorb shocks, and the Skytree becomes one of the safest tall structures in the world during an earthquake.
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New buildings use oil and wall dampers that act like shock absorbers
Modern buildings across Japan use seismic isolation technology. This includes oil dampers, wall dampers, and other tech that acts like shock absorbers during earthquakes. These features help absorb the energy that would otherwise shake a building violently.
For instance, the under-construction Mori JP Tower in Azabudai Hills will have multiple kinds of dampers and isolation structures. This ensures that even luxury high-rises have quake-ready architecture.
A new paint can prevent buildings from cracking or collapsing
Japan is also using cutting-edge materials. One such technology is the Aster Power Coating, a flexible paint-like material. Applied to the exterior walls of buildings, this special coating is designed to prevent cracks or falling masonry during earthquakes. It's especially useful for homes and small buildings.
Interestingly, this product is also being widely adopted in Taiwan, which faces similar seismic risks. Builders and homeowners are beginning to use this as an affordable safety upgrade.
Earthquake insurance discounts encourage safer construction
To promote earthquake-safe living, insurance companies in Japan offer discounts to people who live in buildings certified as earthquake-resistant. Depending on the rating, people can receive up to 50% off their earthquake insurance premiums. This makes building or retrofitting homes with quake-resistant features even more appealing.
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Earthquakes will happen, but collapses don't have to
Japan is located along the Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent seismic activity. Despite this, Japan sees fewer casualties and less structural damage during quakes than many other countries. Why? Because it invests in engineering, awareness, strict laws, and constant innovation.
The recent 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia proved once again that Japan's approach to construction works. Buildings stayed intact. People were safer. And the country's decades of investment in smart design paid off.