History
Japan experiences approximately 400 earthquakes every day, although the vast majority are shindo scale "0" or less and detectable only using specialist apparatus.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) first assigned a four stage Shindo in 1884, with the levels: 微 (faint), 弱 (weak), 強 (strong), and 烈 (violent).
In 1898 this scale was changed to a numerical system, assigning earthquakes levels 0–7.
In 1908, the levels on this scale were given descriptions, and earthquakes were assigned levels based on their perceived effect on people. This scale was widely used during the Meiji period, and revised during the Shōwa period with the descriptions seeing an overhaul.
Following the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, levels 5 and 6 were divided in two, giving a total of 10 levels of earthquake: 0–4, weak/strong 5 （５弱、５強）, weak/strong 6 （６弱、６強） and 7.
The Shindo scale has been used in Japan from 1996 without change.
Read more about this topic: Japan Meteorological Agency Seismic Intensity Scale
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