Here's the region where they estimate the impact could hit most directly in the coming days
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240809_24/
I'd avoid that area and pacific coastline for a while. SFO area resident here, though, and our region is similar to JP in that it needs to hit a certain level before long term residents move for cover. I have a healthy respect for tsunamis and their powers of destruction. Liquefaction isn't great, either. To be honest, as someone who went through Loma Prieta, residents of areas who were hit by earlier quakes like Fukushima/Sanriku Coast, Kumamoto probably have some PTSD when a large quake hits elsewhere, even though their "recoveries" are technically more "completed" than say Noto's. If you go through such a recent-ish rebuilt area and there's a large JP earthquake somewhere else, please keep in mind the rebuilt area's residents might be a bit stressed. It can be hard to work past the memories of the quake and terrifying aftershocks waking you up when you finally were able to sleep.
Scenarios for travel insurance:
Nothing seems to be happening but you opt not to go - Cancel for Any Reason coverage on the non-refundable portions. Not judging here. I've purchased this for cruises in typhoon/hurricane season and Iceland after volcanos were more active. Sometimes it just isn't what you want to do, even if things are operating.
Large quake happens while you are there, in that area - check policy coverage for non-medical evacuation and medical treatment/evac. Non-medical evacuation may get used if your party is fine as you want to leave as able to free up resources for locals and aid teams.
Large quake happens before you go and tsunami and/or critical infrastructure is hit (Fukushima situation) and you don't want to travel to Japan - Cancel For Any Reason coverage on the non-refundable portions. Typically purchased when you bought the initial policy. Most of my JP hotel bookings are refundable up to 3-5 days before arrival, if not even closer to check-in date, so it'd mostly need to cover flight (cash) costs and other non-refundable costs (local long distance transit costs?)
Large quake happens before you go, in the area you wanted to visit, but you're willing to travel to another area - probably work it out with the original intended destination's impacted hotels. Even if they are operating, it might just be a little too soon to visit.
Mid size quake happens - Wonder if the locals are staring at you as they don't seem to be worried. Go get some bottled drinks and food (and maybe some TP ;p ) as soon as it is safe, before the shelves are empty and wait out the aftershocks. Like the Mega Quake alert, there can be situations where the initial quake is smaller than the aftershocks. Actually, do this with a big quake, too, just double check for safety and get to an evac spot. Most hospitality staff probably have training and drills around these kinds of situations.
Small quakes - check social media and wonder if it was just someone clomping down the corridor.
FYI for non-earthquake/typhoon area dwellers - JP hotel rooms have an emergency flashlight and some like Dormy regularly stock an emergency water tank in the washlet area. You can also fill up the tub in case water gets shut off to have potable water or flush the toilet.
Disaster Preparedness guides
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/japan-d...e-preparation/
https://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp...t_Prepared.pdf (Yes, my carryon/purse does contain a light source and at least a few snacks, especially as things go cashless which works when there's power & cellular data but power may go out or get turned off to prevent wildfire risk)
Insurance is YMMV. If you do get it, spend the time to research for decent independent policy (not an add on airline/booking site bundle holiday booking) & coverage and call them before purchase if you have questions
https://www.reddit.com/r/MauiVisitor...ssons_learned/