
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
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
All-you-can-eat doughnuts at Mister Donut: How many can we eat in 60 minutes?
Studio Ghibli’s Mother’s Day corn set is a heartwarming gift for Totoro fans
The Place Where Totoro Was Born: New Studio Ghibli book includes art by Hayao Miyazaki’s wife
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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