Our sincerest and deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones during the 1 January 2024 earthquake that occurred in Noto Peninsula. We hope that those who are waiting to be rescued will find relief sooner than expected. We would also like to express our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this disaster.

Since its establishment in 1951, the Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute has been engaged in the pursuit of disaster theory spanning from the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences, as well as comprehensive research and education related to the construction of disaster prevention science. The recent earthquake was a disaster that was a combination of various phenomena, but Disaster Prevention Research Institute staff from various fields such as earthquakes, tsunamis, ground management, and disaster recovery are working together in this instance, and making all-out efforts to prevent disasters through on-site surveys and other means. In addition to contributing to scientific understanding, we will also contribute to the formulation of regional recovery plans based on scientific understanding.

As a first report, we are releasing explanatory videos and materials about the mechanism of earthquake occurrence and damage to buildings. We plan to continue to publish survey results from time to time.

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you who are affected by this earthquake.

Eiichi Nakakita

Director

Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University

• 2020 Noto Peninsula Earthquake [Disaster Investigation Report] - in Japanese