Unshakable Wonders: Japan’s Quake-Proof Homes Defy the Odds and Still Standing

Resilient Structures in Akasaki

In the windswept coastal village of Akasaki, around 100 structures defied a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, showcasing remarkable resilience despite a few loose roof tiles.

Masaki Sato’s Inspection Post-Quake

Masaki Sato, owner of an 85-year-old house functioning as a summer B&B, hurried 300 kilometers from Tokyo to assess his property. The house’s unique features—narrow lot, multiple small rooms, and sturdy columns—played a crucial role in its survival.

Structural Fortitude

Designed to endure harsh weather conditions like heavy rains, snow, and ocean winds, Akasaki’s houses feature minimal glass windows and robust wooden slats forming exterior walls. Thick ceiling beams provide essential support, underscoring their resilient design, which withstood the earthquake and its aftershocks.

Miraculous Survival Amidst Tragedy

Despite the earthquake claiming 161 lives and leaving 103 missing, Akasaki, a close-knit village, miraculously reported no casualties. Positioned slightly uphill from protective concrete tetrapods, the houses even evaded the tsunami waves triggered by the seismic event.

Minor Damage, Major Relief

Sato’s B&B sustained minor damage—a broken wooden sliding door, scattered debris, and toppled appliances—yet remarkably remained largely intact. His relief was evident as he marveled at the village’s endurance, crediting the houses’ structural integrity.

Architectural Legacy and Unity

Seiya Shinagawa, a retired fisherman and local resident, noted the village’s architectural unity rooted in historical design. Coastal sheds serving as windshields with narrower main houses behind them echo an era when fishermen launched boats directly from these structures.

Rebuilding for Resilience

After a devastating late 1930s fire destroyed a significant part of the village, the community united to reconstruct houses with a unified and fortified design, preserving the area’s unique architectural heritage.

Challenges of an Aging Population

Akasaki faces a widespread challenge in Japan—an aging population. The majority of residents, mostly over 65, live alone. Financial limitations impede house repairs, prompting contemplation on the houses’ sustainability without heirs.

Sato’s Preservation Efforts

Sato, deeply moved by Akasaki’s gradual decline, actively preserves the village’s character. He’s purchased houses set for demolition due to the aging population, envisioning their conversion into cafes and restaurants to revive the area.

e41068e3 masaki satos 85 year old property — © Philip FONG / AFP

Salvaging Akasaki’s Essence

Sato’s mission revolves around salvaging Akasaki’s unique charm, advocating for its preservation as a cultural gem despite lacking government recognition. His resolute efforts aim to retain the village’s timeless allure, symbolizing a cherished bygone era.

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