Why Earthquakes Don't Make Us Shake

By Taichi NAGAO

Unless you have been living on another planet, you will have noticed the many earthquakes recently. Over three days we have had four earthquakes.

Earthquakes are not unusual in Japan and most people say that the big 'Tokai' earthquake will come soon. Experts predict that it will be bigger than the 1995 'Hanshin' quake that devastated the city of Kobe and other parts of Japan.

Surprisingly, people seem very calm about earthquakes. Many people feel that it is something that is out of their hands. Student Mitsuhiro Shima, 18 said: "I'm not afraid of earthquakes because it cannot be helped." Teacher, Anton Luiten said: "It doesn't make me feel nervous because in life accidents happen such as car accidents and tornadoes."

Another reason why people appear to have a relaxed attitude about earthquakes is because we do not have first hand experience. Student Yasuo Yumoto, 17, said: "I'm not sure how I feel about earthquakes. I have seen very big disasters on TV but I have not experienced it. So it is hard to imagine."