The Japanese government is urging more preparation to reduce the estimated death toll of up to 300,000 from a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough. This underwater fault zone, stretching 500 miles along Japan’s Pacific coast, has a 75–82% chance of a major earthquake occurring soon.

In March, officials warned that a megaquake and tsunami could cause up to \$2 trillion in damages and nearly 298,000 fatalities. Although a 2014 disaster plan aimed to cut deaths by 80%, an updated plan released this week states current efforts only reduce the risk by 20%.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the need for cooperation among the nation, local governments, companies, and nonprofits to save lives. The plan includes building evacuation centers, embankments, and increasing the frequency of disaster drills.

Megaquakes in the Nankai Trough have struck every 100 to 200 years, with the last occurring in 1946. Despite some public fears fueled by social media and a manga predicting disaster in 2025, experts like Japan Meteorological Association head Ryoichi Nomura remind people that earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted.

The 2011 magnitude 9 earthquake off Japan’s northeast coast caused 15,500 deaths and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima. A future Nankai megaquake could be even more devastating.

Meanwhile, fears have impacted tourism, with airlines reducing flights and some visitors postponing trips. Authorities urge calm and preparedness rather than panic.

Public cooperation and readiness remain key to minimizing harm from Japan’s next potential disaster.