Tokyo is one of the most extraordinary cities on Earth. Once a pioneer of modernisation, it introduced the bullet train when much of the world still relied on steam locomotives. It emerged as a leader in electronics long before Silicon Valley was synonymous with innovation. And it has long been a showcase of engineering marvels, a city that seemingly defies destruction.

Yet, beneath its resilient exterior lies a metropolis perpetually teetering on the edge of disaster.

Tokyo’s geography makes it a precarious place to live. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan’s capital lies at the intersection of four tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. Volcanic activity is a constant threat, with 111 active volcanoes across the country. Typhoons and tsunamis from the Pacific Ocean further compound these risks.

The city itself sits on a vast plain, an ideal location for a population of over 40 million. But its open expanse also leaves it vulnerable to catastrophic natural disasters. Tokyo has been razed to the ground multiple times throughout its history, yet its engineers have rebuilt it with remarkable ingenuity.

Now, as climate change and urban density amplify these threats, the stakes have never been higher.

In December 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled the Tokyo Resilience Project, a ¥17TN, USD $109BN initiative designed to fortify the city against an array of threats. This ambitious plan, set to unfold over 18 years, is one of the largest civic defence projects in history.