That one claimed over 5,000 lives and shook the already unsteady Japanese economy to its roots. Over the past month, the Izu Peninsula area, southwest of Tokyo, has been the site of over 10,000 recorded earthquakes. Last week, a volcano on the southwestern-most main island of Kyushu finally woke up after over 250 years of slumber. The first, in 1923 flattened the Japanese capital, claiming over 140,000 lives. The experts are divided, but the non-experts are fearful.
Earthquakes can happen anywhere.
Since there was so much damage in Kobe earlier this year, there would be even more in Tokyo. If there is a big earthquake here, there will be nothing left. I will probably die. A major quake here could turn those fears into reality. Quake Facts from the UC-Davis Geology department.