Japan was hit by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in the early hours of Friday morning which injured 14 people and caused a brief power outage in some areas. The quake, which struck off the coast of the southern island of Kyushu at 2:07am local time, caused only minor damage, but the third anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake this week served as an important reminder of the devastation that can be caused by major earthquakes and tsunami.
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and as such its people tend to be extremely well-versed in what to do in the event of a natural disaster. Take cover, turn off the gas, open the door to secure an escape route. These collectors of anime figures, however, had a different idea about what to do in the moments after this morning’s quake – check up on their action figures, and immediately catalogue the damage on Twitter.
These photos, which were posted to Twitter just minutes after the earthquake hit at 2:07am, show forlorn characters toppled from their shelves or smashed on the floor.
▼ “Is there no way to save Gundam from earthquakes?!” asks this distressed fan.
▼ “I can cope with earthquakes, but please, please, don’t let my figures get broken,” writes this Twitter user, whose characters have been toppled from their stands inside a protective case.
▼ “Breaking news! Atobe and Shiraishi [characters from anime series Prince of Tennis] have been seriously injured in an earthquake.”
▼ “The aftermath of last night’s earthquake. A terrible thing has happened to my husband’s figure collection.”
▼ “After the quake,” writes this Twitter user – although we’d like to see a “before” picture of this messy room to compare it with…
Many people’s immediate response to an earthquake is to check social networking sites. If you’re looking for more detail than twenty friends all posting “earthquake!!!” however, you’d be better off checking the Japan Meteorological Agency website for up-to-date information. We’re just glad no-one was seriously injured, and hope these anime fans were taking care of their own safety as well as thinking about their collections.
Source: Hachimakiko
Top image: @sasori_No, via Twitter
Other images: @sick_roha, @kabocyamaturi, @ryoko0222, @kyosuke1203121, via Twitter
M5.6 earthquake in Tokyo brings some weird photos to Twitter
Osaka earthquake: Scenes show damage from strongest tremor to hit the region in decades
Anime figures damaged in earthquake? Tokyo manufacturer offers to repair them for free
Strong earthquake hits Japan as anniversary of Fukushima disaster approaches【Photos, Videos】
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
Upcoming themed cafe answers the question “What if Hokusai had opened an eatery?”
Japan’s 10 best Ferris wheels for beautiful views, as chosen by travelers【Survey】
Epic cutlet sandwiches in Osaka are the best Shinkansen bento
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Leave a Reply