Public Schools Predate Building Codes, at Risk in Earthquake

About 8.4% of public schools in Japan require urgent refortifcation. That's 10,656 schools our of the total of 127,164.

Perhaps in light of the recent massive earthquake in China, Japanese local authorities are increasing efforts to fortify those 10,000 schools.

Additionally, 43,109 of Japan's public schools or 33.9% predate the current building code. In short, they could not withstand an earthquake like the recent one that hit Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.

"Teacher. If there is an earthquake, should we stand under a doorpost, get under the desks or what?"

"Kids, run out of the building as fast as you can. And watch out for splits in the ground."

Perhaps the money managers are hoping for a continual decline in the birthrate in Japan. Schools can combine and over time there will be less schools needing fortification.

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