Synopsis

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 remains a defining tragedy in Japanese history. A 7.9 magnitude quake, centered in western Kanagawa Prefecture, triggered widespread destruction: buildings crumbled, landslides ravaged the landscape, and a tsunami inundated the coastline. Yet, while the earthquake’s immediate effects were devastating, fire proved to be the primary cause of death. In a single open area of Tokyo, nearly forty thousand evacuees perished in a conflagration. This was no ordinary bla