Japan Tectonic Earthquakes

EARTHQUAKES AND SEISMIC ZONES
Japan has always had a history of experiencing tectonic movements and volcanic activities. The movements that were taking place during the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and even during the Tertiary times are still proceeding today. Earthquakes are too felt across the country at each and every part, as they accompany movements along the fault lines and volcanic activities.
The conditions of seismicity in the Japanese Arc System are very intricately linked to the Plate Boundary Zones and the Active Fault Systems. The Kuril Trench delineates the loci of the Plate – Boundary earthquakes in Hokkaido. An active seismic zone is located inland, in the Foreland Thrust Zone of the Western Hidaka Mountains. The most active zone for

In Japanese society people like to interact with nature. Nature plays a pivotal role in the Japanese traditions, culture, rituals, lifestyles, food, clothing and even their dwelling patterns and architectural structures. The physical conditions of the island nation along with its anthropogenic imprints leaves a mark on the type the Japanese have been changing their architecture to cope with the hardships nature provides them with.
Japanese pattern of buildings and houses, the structures and the materials used have had a slow transformation through time from ancient civilizations to modern 21st century. However to say, much of the traditional Japanese architecture is not native to the country, but is borrowed and brought from the neighbors in China and Asian countries. But nonetheless, there are few indigenous patterns and techniques that are native to this archipelago

Prior to this period, Japan did not have any religion as such. During the Asuka Period, Buddhism was brought in from China. People had migrated to Japan bringing in large scale ideas, thoughts, values and rituals to this country. Buddhist temples and monasteries were built in Japan. Religion had a profound impact on the changing architecture in the island country. Each temple complexes that were been built had taken into consideration the demands and the requirements of the monks, nuns and even the worshippers. The number of buildings inside each temple complex was erected in order to cater to the needs of the monks, nuns and the worshippers. Usually the complexes comprised of a pagoda, main hall, lecture hall, bell tower, repository room, dining room and dormitories. Earthen wall with two storied gate enclosed the entire temple compound on either sides. The main hall situated the object of worship, while the lecture hall was dedicated for the monks for