

Kerry Smith, "Predicting Disasters: Earthquakes, Scientists, and Uncertainty in Modern Japan" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2024)
Dec 7, 2024
Kerry Smith, author of "Predicting Disasters: Earthquakes, Scientists, and Uncertainty in Modern Japan", dives into Japan's intricate history of earthquake prediction. She discusses the challenges scientists faced in communicating risks to the public while balancing preparedness with fears of panic. Smith highlights major earthquakes like the 1964 Niigata and the impact they had on research and infrastructure. Delving into the evolution of seismic science, she explores Japan's tenacious commitment to understanding and mitigating the unpredictability of natural disasters.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Earthquake Prediction in Japan
01:36 • 16min
The Fractured Foundations of Earthquake Prediction in Early 20th Century Japan
17:45 • 5min
The Turning Point: Pioneering Earthquake Prediction After the 1946 Nankaido Earthquake
22:22 • 5min
Communicating Earthquake Predictions
27:02 • 6min
The 1964 Niigata Earthquake: Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Urban Preparedness
33:21 • 6min
The Uncertainty of Earthquake Prediction in Japan
39:06 • 26min
Exploring Wealth and Inequality in Modern Japan
01:04:50 • 2min