In an unexpected twist, several of Tokyo's high-rise apartments or "tower mansions" suffer unforeseen damage. These structures were believed to be built with superior earthquake-resistance technology, but the recent quake in the capital underlines the limitations of these measures. The scale of the damage presents multiple challenges to city planners and construction companies, who are now reassessing the hazards posed by these tall structures.

In Japan, with its high population density and frequent earthquakes, safety of high-rise buildings is a topic that often attracts public attention and anxiety. The news of these skyscrapers encountering unexpected quake damage could spark renewed debates on the efficacy of Japan's construction guidelines, which are reputed to be among the strictest in the world.

In contrast to Japan, areas in the US or EU with high-rise buildings face considerably less seismic activity. However, the challenges related to skyscraper safety in Japan could provide valuable lessons for cities in the US or EU that are expanding vertically in response to growing urbanization.