Geography of Japan - Lesson 6

The 2011 Eastern Japan Great Earthquake Disaster had a devastating impact, costing thousands of lives. Over the course of two lessons (there is the option to condense into one lesson if preferred), students will learn how earthquakes can cause a tsunami and will also consider the impact of the disaster on survivors. 

Students will look at the work of Fumio Obata, a graphic novelist and illustrator who produced ‘comic reportage’ detailing the scale and human tragedy of the disaster. They will then create their own work to educate people about the event.

Learning Objectives

• Outline how an earthquake can cause a tsunami.
• Illustrate the sequence of events on the day of the Eastern Japan Great Earthquake Disaster.
• Describe the effects of the Tohoku tsunami.

Resources (Part 1)

• Lesson Plan: L6 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami - PDF (797 KB)
• Presentation: L6 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami 1 - PPTX (6.3 MB)
• Information Sheet: L6 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Timeline (printable) - PDF (417 KB)
• Manga Activity: Manga Worksheet - PDF (292 KB) This file contains both a blank version and a pre-illustrated version

Resources (Part 2)

• Presentation: L6 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami 2 - PPTX (1.1 MB)
• Video: Music from Fukushima: The Miracle of the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta *
• Blog: Anne Kaneko's Message from Fukushima - PDF (835 KB)

Additional Resources 

• Teacher's Notes: Manga Key Points - PDF (1.8 MB)
• Fumio Obata's Website: https://www.fumioobata.co.uk/ 

* For more information or to contact the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta, visit the Keys of Change website or email education@japansociety.org.uk 

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