How prepared is Japan for a major earthquake? The country has been on high alert for aftershocks since this week’s magnitude 7.7 quake, with thousands of people urged to seek higher ground.

Scientists have warned for decades that a powerful quake along the Nankai Trough could strike, triggering potentially devastating tsunamis and widespread destruction.

In this episode of Asia Specific, we explore the history of major earthquakes in Japan, including the 2011 disaster, examine whether such events can be predicted and assess how prepared Japan really is.

Host Mariko Oi is joined by former BBC Japan correspondent Ruper Wingfield-Hayes and Asia Specific journalist Derek Cai. This episode was recorded on 22 April.

You can hear a BBC World Service drama about the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant - when Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 – by searching for Dramas: Fukushima wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Alternatively, you can click on the link here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/series/w27vqlc9

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

What would a deal with the US military mean for Indonesia’s ties to China?

The proposal being considered by Indonesia would allow US military aircraft easier access to its airspace. But it has ignited debate in a country that’s long had a non-aligned foreign policy stance.

We discuss this possible shift in strategy, the US military presence in the region and how a potential deal is being viewed by China. What do Indonesians think and what could be the fallout for President Prabowo Subianto?

Host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific’s Bill Birtles, plus Jakarta-based freelance journalist Randy Mulyanto.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Are high energy prices prompting a shift to electric vehicles in Asia?

In China, more than half of all new cars sold are now electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. But across the rest of Asia, the shift is much slower, in part due to a lack of charging infrastructure. Will high oil prices due to the Iran conflict be the catalyst to change that?

Chinese carmakers are rapidly expanding into Southeast Asia, setting up factories, and challenging long-established Japanese and Korean manufacturers. But a rush in South East Asia to attract Chinese investment and technology is being offset by growing concerns that cheaper Chinese models are flooding markets.

Even US giant Tesla is hugely reliant on China for its business. So can carmakers compete with China’s EV manufacturing might?

On this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi is joined by Hannah Miao, China economy reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and Theo Leggett, the BBC’s Transport Correspondent, to unpack the global EV race.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk