Earthquake-resistance checks on old apartments not progressing
Of Japan's apartment buildings built prior to 1970 to older and less stringent earthquake standards, only 16% have been inspected to see whether they can withstand a large earthquake.
In February, the Condominium Management Companies Association conducted a survey of 2100 pre-1970 apartment buildings nationwide. From the individual management companies that responded, only 16% reported that a building inspection was carried out to assess their building's earthquake resistance, and almost all were found not to meet current standards. Only 3% of the surveyed buildings had actually carried out any earthquake reinforcing work.Read more
Shuwa Residence Series of Vintage Apartments
The Shuwa Residence Series of condominium apartments first appeared on the scene in the mid 1960s. They were developed by Shuwa Corporation, who went bankrupt in the early 2000's. Numerous in number, they can be seen all over Tokyo and are easily recognizable by their white stucco and often blue tiled roof.Read more