
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
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo’s dedicated Nintendo store finally begins offering its exclusive items online
Mikado Coffee is a 76-year-old coffee chain with a major celebrity connection
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply