The answer to the land shortage, Japanese authorities have concluded, is to reclaim more land from Tokyo Bay -- a prospect that deeply troubles many experts. Tokyo experienced a devastating earthquake in 1923 that resulted in 143,000 deaths . Experts feel that Tokyo is likely to experience another crushing quake . The city is situated over the meeting point of the Eurasian , Philippine and Pacific plates , three of the giant tectonic plates that make up the earths ' crust , and they are grinding together and setting the stage for a catastrophe . An earthquake measuring eight on the Richter Scale could result in 1000 deaths . Japan is moving ahead on research and is trying to improve the national best warning system , but nothing can reduce the geological hazard under the city .
Tokyo experienced a devastating earthquake in 1923 that resulted in 143,000 deaths . Experts feel that Tokyo is likely to experience another crushing quake . The city is situated over the meeting point of the Eurasian , Philippine and Pacific plates , three of the giant tectonic plates that make up the earths ' crust , and they are grinding together and setting the stage for a catastrophe . An earthquake measuring eight on the Richter Scale could result in 1000 deaths . Japan is moving ahead on research and is trying to improve the national best warning system , but nothing can reduce the geological hazard under the city .