July 31st — Japan's History and Today

781 - Oldest Record of Mt. Fuji Eruption In 781, during the late Nara period, Mt. Fuji erupted, and the ashfall was recorded in the 'Shoku Nihongi'. This is the oldest known recorded eruption of Mt. Fuji. These historical records serve as valuable resources for current disaster prevention measures. For foreigners living in Japan, understanding seismic and volcanic activities as part of their daily life is crucial. 1909 - Great Osaka Fire In 1909, a massive fire broke out in Osaka's Kita Ward, destroying 11,365 houses and resulting in 689 casualties. This 'Great Fire of Kita' emphasized the importance of urban disaster prevention and had a significant impact on subsequent city planning. Today, foreign visitors to Osaka can appreciate how lessons from this disaster continue to shape the city's infrastructure.