Researcher Takehiko Yamamura claims it is only a matter of time before a major earthquake hits Tokyo again. In 1923 a 7.9 magnitude quake destroyed 40% of the city and killed over 200,000 people. Ever since Japan has been at the forefront of 'early warning' technology. Urban planners in Tokyo are confident in their latest shock-absorbing equipment; "For the first time people should not have to flee from their homes, but can feel safe inside them". Yet can a city ever be totally earthquake-proof? Yamamura argues the biggest problem is the attitude of the Japanese; "people still believe in the myth of their own invulnerability. We must constantly be on guard".