
It’s always nice to be number one for something, even if it is number one in the “cities where the earth is most likely to kill you” ranking. That’s why we’re proud to announce that Tokyo and Yokohama were declared the cities at highest risk of natural disaster by Zurich-based Swiss Reinsurance (Swiss Re) in a 2013 study, whose findings were recently announced.
Out of a total of 616 cities reviewed, Tokyo and Yokohama both rose to the top thanks to their location in both a seismically active region and on the East coast of Japan leaving them highly vulnerable to tsunamis.
The Philippines’ capital Manila came in second due to both its seismic activity and typhoon frequency. Rounding out the top three was China’s Pearl River Delta for flooding, cyclones, and a chance of earthquakes.
Not only did Japan earn the top spot, but also placed 4th (tied) with the team of Osaka and Kobe thanks to their risk of flooding and intense storms. The Land of the Rising Sun wasn’t finished yet either, as Nagoya also grabbed the sixth spot.
Top 10 Cities at Risk of Natural Disaster
1 – Tokyo/Yokohama (Japan)
2 – Manila (Philippines)
3 – Pearl River Delta (China)
4 – Osaka/Kobe (Japan) [tied]
4 – Jakarta (Indonesia) [tied]
6 – Nagoya (Japan)
7 – Kolkata (India)
8 – Shanghai (China)
9 – Los Angeles (USA)
10 – Tehran (Iran)
All in all, it seems Asia is the place most likely to get swallowed up by the world with nine of its cities appearing in the top 10. Los Angeles was the only outside city to make the list in ninth place. Still, among all of the 600+ cities included in the study, Japan came out both on top and most represented in the higher echelons. I suppose this could make it the most inherently dangerous country in the world which in turn makes me that much more of a bad-ass.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to work on my swagger.
Source: Excite News (Japanese)
Top Image: Wikipedia – NASA (edited by RocketNews24)

Japanese city makes list of world’s top 10 most livable cities, but not one most people expected
Survey picks Japan’s most attractive prefectures – Familiar spots at top and bottom of rankings
Tokyo ranked as most expensive city in the world for expats, three other Japanese towns in top 10
Top 10 most desirable Japanese prefectures to live in may show new trend toward small-city living
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Starbucks Japan now offers close-to-closing discounted items through its mobile order app
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
The Japanese Valentine’s treats that look like chocolates but taste like the ocean
The top five surprising observations of a Japanese student visiting an American university
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Pikachu/Game Boy manhole cover installed at Nintendo Museum, not viewable by general public
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
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
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
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
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