TAISHIN100 Standards Surpasses 8,400 Registered Earthquake-Resistant Homes

Celebrating a New Milestone in Earthquake Resistance

On September 1, 2023, the General Incorporated Association, Earthquake-Resistant Housing 100% Executive Committee, announced a significant achievement: more than 8,400 homes across Japan now comply with their rigorous TAISHIN100 Standards for earthquake resistance. This milestone underscores the importance of not just meeting the country’s basic earthquake safety standards but striving for even higher resilience.

Understanding the need for more than just structural integrity, the TAISHIN100 initiative promotes a vision where homes remain safe and livable—even after a major earthquake. The standards are rooted in scientific data and engineering excellence, aimed at providing assurance to homeowners that their houses will not only endure earthquakes but remain comfortable spaces post-disaster.

The Inadequacies of Current Standards

Each earthquake that Japan experiences leads to updates in its housing regulations, usually fueled by past tragedies. However, the devastating Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016 illustrated a stark reality: even homes rated with the second-highest seismic resistance, “Seismic Grade 2,” collapsed. Similarly, the Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024 highlighted vulnerabilities in older structures built before recent standards were introduced. This exposed a critical gap: while legal regulations serve as a safety minimum, they often fail to guarantee that families can continue living in their homes after seismic events.

Responding to the growing concerns over current standards, the TAISHIN100 Standards emerged to offer homeowners the peace of mind they deserve. The fact that over 8,400 homes have now achieved these standards is a testament to the commitment to safety and a strong desire for sustainable recovery.

How TAISHIN100 Standards Work

The TAISHIN100 framework consists of three core promises designed to elevate the standard of seismic safety in residential buildings:

1. Foundation in Seismic Grade 3: Homes are engineered to meet the highest seismic resistance level (Grade 3), aligning their resilience with critical public facilities such as fire stations and police departments.

2. Comprehensive Structural Evaluations: Each home undergoes rigorous structural calculations customized to its unique design. This detailed approach ensures scientific verification of safety and resilience against earthquakes.

3. Digital Preservation of Design Documents: The design blueprints and building histories of each home are securely stored in electronic format, providing a reliable record for future renovations or sales while preserving the home's intrinsic value.

This systematic approach bridges the gaps often left unaddressed by the current regulatory framework, promising genuine safety and security for families across Japan. The TAISHIN100 initiative has garnered significant recognition, earning awards such as the 2015 Resilience Award and the 2023 Good Design Award.

Reflecting on Disaster Preparedness

With September 1 marking Disaster Prevention Day in Japan, it is a crucial moment to reflect on the importance of an earthquake-resilient home. The TAISHIN100 standards aim to visualize housing performance through certificate issuance, enabling accurate asset valuation. Additionally, the initiative offers smooth transitions into national frameworks, such as Japan's “Safe R Housing” program, fostering a marketplace rich in quality existing residences.

Today, on Disaster Prevention Day, consider your home’s seismic capabilities. How does it measure up? Check your home’s earthquake grade, explore whether a structural assessment has been conducted, and locate your original building plans.

Our ongoing mission is to provide as many families as possible with homes that promise safety and continuity after an earthquake. Together, we strive to make the TAISHIN100 Standards a norm across society, ensuring everyone has a secure and resilient living space for the future.

About Us

The Earthquake-Resistant Housing 100% Executive Committee, founded in 2014 and incorporated in 2017, focuses on promoting high-quality earthquake-resistant homes across Japan. Working closely with local contractors and housing-related enterprises, we aim to build houses and communities that prevent loss of life in the aftermath of seismic events.