Earthquake Safety at the British School in Tokyo

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the British School is not only a hub of international education but also a model of preparedness and safety. Established in partnership with Mori Building, one of Japan's leading urban developers, the school is located within the cutting-edge Azabudai Hills complex. This collaboration ensures that the school benefits from state-of-the-art seismic technology and robust emergency protocols. As a result, it stands out as an example of earthquake resilience in one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Japan's Earthquake Legacy

Japan's geographic location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Historical events like the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 serve as stark reminders of the potential devastation.

With a 70% chance of a major earthquake striking Tokyo in the next 30 years, earthquake resilience is more critical than ever.

Earthquake-Resistant Architecture

During a January 17 workshop at the school, Mori Building representatives shared insights into the design principles that make their structures earthquake-resistant. A demonstration using paper models illustrated how buildings of different shapes react to seismic activity. Participants learned that shorter buildings often shake more during typical earthquakes, while taller skyscrapers are more vulnerable to slower, long-period ground motion.

To counteract these effects, Mori Building incorporates innovative features such as braces and viscous damping boards into their designs.

Braces — wooden, steel, or concrete — enhance structural rigidity, reducing shaking. Viscous damping boards, which are installed throughout the British School's campus, absorb seismic energy through a mechanism involving a thick liquid inside iron containers.

This advanced technology ensures that the buildings remain operational even after a significant earthquake.

One student who participated in the event shared, "I enjoyed learning how buildings are stabilized during earthquakes. The explanation about the braces was fascinating — it's amazing how such simple additions can make such a big difference."

Emergency Preparedness

David James, deputy principal at the British School, emphasized the importance of being prepared for the aftermath of an earthquake. With transportation networks potentially disrupted, the school maintains stockpiles of essential supplies to support students and staff for extended periods.

Food: Thousands of gluten-free, halal rice flour cookies are stored, catering to diverse dietary needs. These cookies have an impressive shelf life of up to seven years.

*Students sample gluten-free, halal rice flour cookies (©JAPAN Forward by Daniel Manning).*

Water: Ample drinking water ensures hydration during emergencies.

Thermal Blankets: Lightweight aluminum blankets provide warmth and protection from the elements.

Portable Toilets: Equipped with powdered liners that solidify waste for safe disposal, these toilets are essential in the event of plumbing failures.

Air Mattresses: Designed for comfort, these mattresses provide a place to rest during prolonged stays at the school.

Participants had the opportunity to try some of these items, including the cookies and blankets. A student noted, "The blankets were surprisingly warm, even though they didn't have fur. They're light and easy to carry, which makes them really practical in emergencies."

Regarding the cookies, the same student commented, "At first, they were okay, but the taste wasn't great after a while."

Continuous Improvement

Preparedness at the British School goes beyond stockpiles. Regular drills are conducted to simulate fire and earthquake scenarios, ensuring that staff and students are well-versed in evacuation procedures. Feedback from these drills is used to refine safety measures. The school also plans to engage parents more actively through workshops and communication initiatives, helping families prepare for emergencies.

James highlighted the importance of checklists tailored for staff, students, and parents. "We have a checklist for staff and students, what do they do before an earthquake, in preparation, what do they do during, after," he explained.

"One of our main goals now is to involve parents more actively. We want to ensure they know how to prepare their children for earthquakes and what steps to take if one happens during the school day or while commuting."

*A student sits on a portable toilet (©JAPAN Forward by Daniel Manning).*

Building a Culture of Safety

The collaboration between the British School and Mori Building reflects a shared commitment to safety and resilience. Mori Building's philosophy of creating "places to escape to rather than from" resonates in their design of Azabudai Hills, which houses the school. The buildings exceed government-mandated safety standards, demonstrating their dedication to protecting occupants during emergencies.

Students and staff alike expressed their appreciation for the hands-on experience provided during the drill. One student remarked, "I want to prepare for earthquakes and put this kind of equipment in my house so I can be safe."

Author: Daniel Manning