InsideJapan News Network

Buildings that can withstand even the strongest of earthquakes could be coming to a street in Japan soon, it has emerged.

A prototype steel-framed structure already stands on the grounds of the Building Research Institute in Tsurakim Ibaraki Prefecture, reports the Daily Yomiuri.

The building is the creation of a collaboration between more than 30 private sector companies - including construction firms and steelmakers - and five government departments, such as the construction and transport ministry and the cabinet office.

Masahiro Yukawa, a Takenaka spokesperson, said the construction of a building that can withstand a quake with seismic intensity of seven is being planned.

"Anyone inside such a building would experience shock waves that feel as if they only have an intensity of about five," he commented.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world.

Earlier this month, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck the northern region of the country.

Written by Mike Cotgreave