Project Commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Aiming at achieving more accurate predictions of the occurrence, ground motions and subsequent tsunamis from the Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes, as well as establishing measures for disaster prevention and damage reduction based on them

  • Search (Research and Observation)
  • Predict (Simulation Study)
  • Be Prepared (Disaster Prevention and Damage Reduction)

It is known that massive subduction zone earthquakes repeatedly occur approximately on a 100- to 150-year cycle along the Nankai Trough, which extends from off the coast of Tokai to Hyuga-nada in Kyushu.
In this project, a number of research institutes worked together to carry out research into the Tokai, Tonankai, and Nankai earthquakes with a focus on the three themes; search, predict and be prepared. We have researched and observed the crustal structures and seismic activities of the Nankai Trough in detail with state-of-the-art observation equipment and predicted what would occur using a realistic numerical simulation that stands on research findings. The highly accurate prediction about the ground motion and tsunamis will be fully utilized as the basis of the preparation for disaster prevention and damage reduction.