Tsunamis can result from earthquakes. Earthquakes are measured on a seismic scale of magnitude called the Richter Scale. The Kobe earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2. In the last 25 years, the worst earthquake in terms of the number of deaths was the 1988 NW Armenia earthquake with 55,000 deaths, while the largest on the Richter scale was the 1976 Tangshan, China, one at a magnitude of 8.2. The Northridge earthquake killed only 61 people.
Japan has strict building codes and regularly have earthquake drills.
The Eurasian, Philippine Sea, and Pacific plates meet near Japan. Notetaking can facilitate memory of important ideas.