# Earthquake Construction Regulations in Japan Building codes are updated regularly in Japan. The last major change happened 1981. Buildings built before 1981 are called *kyu-taishin*, and those built after are known as *shin-taishin*. The new ***shin-taishin* standard** states that: > **For the often occurring mid-size earthquakes (magnitude 5~7), the building should suffer no more than a slight amount of cracks and should continue to function as normal. For the rare and large earthquakes with a magnitude 7 or higher and a Shindo scale of upper 6 or higher, the building should not collapse.** **In the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake ([[Richter Magnitude Scale]] magnitude 6.9, [[Shindo Seismic Scale]] 7), only 0.3% of the *shin-taishin* buildings suffered serious damage, compared to 8.4% of *kyu-taishin* buildings.** ## The Three Shin-Taishin Construction Methods ### Taishin* – **Basic Resistance** - Suitable for **low-rise buildings** - Reinforced beams, pillars and walls - Repeated **earthquakes my eventually lead to serious damage. After a large earthquake (magnitude 7+), building may require significant repairs, or may be beyond repair.** ### *Seishin* – **Vibration Control** - **Recommended** (but not required) **for high-rise buildings** - **Shock-absorbers** are put in place to reduce shaking ### *Menshin* – **Base Isolation System** - Like *Seishin* is only a **recommendation** and not a requirement - **Highest protection often used in high-rise apartment buildings** - **Building structure is completely isolated from the ground and shake is reduced by 66%**. ## Sources - Japan Property Central. [Earthquake Building Codes in Japan](https://japanpropertycentral.com/real-estate-faq/earthquake-building-codes-in-japan/). - Real Estate Japan. [Earthquake Building Codes and Technology in Japan](https://resources.realestate.co.jp/buy/earthquake-building-codes-and-technology-in-japan/).