Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, has unveiled a groundbreaking way to keep homes safe during tremors. A company called Air Danshin has developed innovative “levitating houses” that use compressed air to lift entire buildings off the ground the moment an earthquake strikes.

Under normal conditions, the house rests securely on a deflated airbag foundation. But when seismic sensors detect the first vibrations of an earthquake, the airbag rapidly inflates, lifting the structure several centimeters into the air. While the ground shakes violently beneath, the house remains suspended, avoiding the direct force of the tremor. Once the quake subsides, the airbag slowly deflates, allowing the home to settle back down gently onto its base.

This unique technology has already proven its worth. During a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake in 2021, homes equipped with the Air Danshin system avoided major structural damage, offering residents not just protection but peace of mind.

The innovation doesn’t stop there. Japan also relies on a vast network of seismometers to monitor both earthquakes and volcanic activity. This early-warning system can detect shifts in the earth and issue alerts within seconds, giving people precious time to take cover and respond quickly.

For a nation that faces hundreds of earthquakes every year, these advancements represent a remarkable step forward. By blending cutting-edge engineering with disaster preparedness, Japan continues to lead the world in developing technologies that save lives and preserve communities.