Japan Marks 31 Years Since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

Japan is marking 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country’s modern history.

On January 17, 1995, at 5:46 a.m., a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kobe and surrounding areas in Hyogo Prefecture. The quake caused widespread destruction, claiming the lives of more than 6,000 people and injuring tens of thousands more. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, and critical infrastructure—including highways, railways, and buildings—collapsed within seconds.

The disaster left a lasting impact on Japan’s approach to disaster preparedness, urban planning, and emergency response, leading to significant improvements in building standards and crisis management systems nationwide.

Commemoration Events

To honor the victims and reflect on the lessons learned, moments of silence will be observed at the following times on January 17:

• 5:46 a.m.

• 5:46 p.m.

📍 Venue: Higashi Yuenchi Park, Kobe, Japan

From 5:30 p.m., lanterns and candles will be lit at the park, creating a solemn atmosphere of remembrance and prayer for those who lost their lives.

A Moment to Remember

Each year, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community resilience. Survivors, families of victims, and visitors gather to pay their respects and to pass on memories of the tragedy to future generations.

As Japan remembers the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, people across the country and around the world are encouraged to pause, reflect, and renew their commitment to disaster awareness and preparedness.

Let us remember those who lost their lives and keep their memory alive.

Photos: Kobe City Archive