The 684 Hakuho earthquake took place in Japan in 684, and is described in the history book Nihon Shoki from the 8th century. The earthquake took place on 26 November 684 (Julian calendar), in the 13th year of the reign of Emperor Tenmu (Tenmu period). It caused the under-sea inundation of approximately 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) of rice fields.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying 684 Hakuhō earthquake and tsunami alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
See what is happening right now on the live world incident map, browse every tsunamis we track on the Tsunami tracker, or follow live incidents in Japan.