[Osaka Science Museum] Special Exhibition Commemorating 80 Years Since the Tonankai Earthquake: "The Science of Earthquakes - The Past Revealed by Records, Mechanisms and Preparedness Explained by Science" to be Held!

The Nankai Trough earthquake is a large-scale earthquake that has repeatedly occurred at intervals of approximately 100 to 150 years, with its epicenter along the plate boundary from off the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture (Suruga Bay) to off the coast of Kyushu (Hyuga Nada). As 2026 marks 80 years since the Tonankai Earthquake, which caused immense damage, the next Nankai Trough earthquake could occur at any time.

This exhibition will introduce the principles of the Nankai Trough earthquake through displays of the Nankai Trough's undersea topography. We will also exhibit seismic observation records previously observed by the Osaka District Meteorological Observatory, allowing visitors to understand that earthquakes occur repeatedly.

Japan is a country prone to earthquakes. Let's learn about the principles of earthquakes and prepare!

Exhibition Highlights

▶ Approaching "Earthquakes" from the Perspectives of Science and Disaster Prevention!

- The Nankai Trough is a large "trench" found at the bottom of the sea south of western Japan. By observing a floor mat printed with the undersea topography using 3D glasses, you can experience this "trench" in three dimensions. Furthermore, from the actual fault panel, you can grasp the intensity of the earth's movement.

- We will also display original observation logs of past earthquakes observed by the Osaka District Meteorological Observatory. While such records are no longer created today due to real-time computer processing, visitors can learn how observations were conducted in the past.

- We will explain the current earthquake and tsunami observation and earthquake information dissemination processes at the Japan Meteorological Agency, as well as the content of the disaster prevention information issued, to help visitors prepare appropriately.

Exhibition Overview

Let's See the Nankai Trough's Undersea Topography with 3D Glasses!

The Nankai Trough is a large "trench" at the bottom of the sea, extending from off the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture (Suruga Bay) to off the coast of Kyushu (Hyuga Nada). Its depth is approximately 3,500 to 4,000 meters, deep enough to fit Mount Fuji (3,776 meters), Japan's tallest mountain, entirely within it. Experience this with 3D glasses.

Feel the "Faults" That Cause Earthquakes!

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (Southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake), which occurred on January 17, 1995, about 30 years ago, caused immense damage centered around Kobe and Awaji Island. One of the causes of this earthquake was the "Nojima Fault." Take a photo with a life-size panel showing a cross-section of the Nojima Fault as a backdrop.

Seismometer

Seismic intensity is an index indicating the degree of ground shaking. In the past, it was observed based on the observer's perception and the surrounding conditions of objects and structures. However, with the introduction of seismometers, the time from earthquake occurrence to the announcement of seismic intensity information has been significantly shortened.

Earthquake Observation Logbook

This is a ledger recording past earthquakes observed by the Osaka District Meteorological Observatory. The arrival times of P-waves and S-waves, perceived seismic intensity, and duration of the earthquake are recorded by hand.

By compiling data observed in various locations, it is possible to determine the epicenter, the location where the earthquake occurred. This is the most fundamental data for earthquake observation.

Investigation Records of Nankai Trough Earthquakes

These are investigation records of the Tonankai earthquakes that occurred during the war on December 7, 1944, and shortly after the war on December 21, 1946, with a two-year interval.

These are valuable records for preparing for future earthquakes.

Message from the Curator

The Nankai Trough earthquake is a massive earthquake that has repeatedly occurred at intervals of approximately 100 to 150 years. The strong shaking and tsunamis caused by this earthquake brought disaster to a wide area of western Japan, including Osaka. However, because the interval between earthquakes exceeds human generations, past lessons tend to be forgotten.

This exhibition introduces the mechanisms and characteristics of the Nankai Trough earthquake from a scientific perspective. We also exhibit valuable earthquake observation records from meteorological observatories that were observed in the past. Visitors can learn that current knowledge in seismology is the result of accumulated observations over long periods from the past. Furthermore, we explain the current monitoring system for earthquakes and tsunamis by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the disaster prevention information that is issued.

It is impossible to prevent earthquakes from occurring. However, we can learn from past lessons and prepare for the future. We hope that through this special exhibition, visitors will learn the latest knowledge and be prepared for the great earthquakes to come.

Wataru Egoshi, Senior Curator, Osaka Science Museum

Related Events

July 30 (Thu), July 31 (Fri) Summer Vacation Mini Meteorological Observatory 2026

August 6 (Thu), August 14 (Fri) Special Exhibition "The Science of Earthquakes" Related Outreach Lecture

"How to Evacuate? If a Nankai Trough Earthquake Occurs"

Details are available on the official website of the Osaka Science Museum.

Exhibition Outline

Special Exhibition: 80 Years Since the Tonankai Earthquake

"The Science of Earthquakes - The Past Revealed by Records, Mechanisms and Preparedness Explained by Science"

Period: July 18, 2026 (Sat) - August 30, 2026 (Sun)

Time: 9:30 - 17:00 (Last admission to exhibition hall at 16:30)

Closed: Every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed) *Open on August 10.

Venue: Osaka Science Museum, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall

Admission Fee: Included with exhibition hall admission.

Adults: 400 yen, Students (High School/University): 300 yen, Junior High School students and younger: Free

Organizers: Osaka District Meteorological Observatory, Osaka Science Museum

Osaka Science Museum Facility and Access Information

530-0005 Osaka City, Kita Ward, Nakanoshima 4-2-1 Official HP: https://www.sci-museum.jp/

Phone: 06-6444-5656 FAX: 06-6444-5657

(Nearest Stations) Approximately 500 meters west from Exit 3 of "Higobashi Station" on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line

Approximately 400 meters southwest from Exit 2 of "Watanabebashi Station" on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line

Approximately 1000 meters south from Exit 2 of "Fukushima Station" on JR Osaka Loop Line, "Shin-Fukushima Station" on JR Tozai Line, and Exit 3 of "Fukushima Station" on Hanshin Main Line.

Inquiries Regarding This Release

Osaka City Museum Organization, Osaka Science Museum, Public Relations Department, Takeura, Nishino

Phone: 06-6444-5656 FAX: 06-6444-5657 E-mail: [email protected]

*The Osaka City Museum Organization establishes and manages six museums in Osaka City.