Culture

October 28 — Japan's History and Today

October 27, 2026

This article highlights the 1707 Hoei Earthquake and the first shorthand class held in 1882, showing Japan's history of natural disasters and progress in information recording techniques.

The 1707 Hoei Earthquake On October 4, 1707 (Hoei 4), a massive earthquake struck Japan, causing extensive damage from the Tokaido region to the Kii Peninsula and Shikoku, with over 20,000 casualties. It remains one of the most devastating earthquakes in Japanese history, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness. For foreign residents in Japan, understanding earthquake safety measures and evacuation procedures is vital for daily life.

The 1882 Shorthand Course by Tsunaki Tasai In 1882, Tsunaki Tasai held Japan's first shorthand course in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. This event marked the beginning of modern shorthand in Japan, which greatly improved the speed and accuracy of recording spoken language for news and official records. The Japanese shorthand system was adapted to fit the unique writing system, offering foreigners insight into Japan’s communication culture and media development.