Does a Small Gap to the Ceiling Prevent Furniture from Falling in an Earthquake? [Real Test in Ōkawa, Japan]

Can Less Space Above Furniture Help During an Earthquake?

Hello from Ōkawa, Japan — the historic city of furniture.
Today, we’re excited to share a unique experiment we conducted to test this simple but powerful question:

"Is furniture less likely to fall if there’s only a small gap between it and the ceiling?"

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📺 Watch the Full Experiment Video

In this test, we used cardboard boxes to simulate furniture,
and replicated earthquake-like shaking by driving a car on bumpy roads.
We compared two setups:

・One box placed just 2 cm (0.8 inches) from the ceiling

・Another with a larger gap above it

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🧪 Results: Does a Smaller Gap Make a Difference?

Yes — the difference was clear.

The box with only a 2 cm gap barely moved, because its back edge quickly hit the ceiling when tilting.
It reached only a 3-degree tilt before becoming supported.
In contrast, the box with more space above it tipped over easily under similar shaking.

Of course, real earthquakes vary in intensity and direction,
and furniture shape and weight matter too —
but this test shows that reducing the ceiling gap can improve stability.

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🌾 Filmed in Ōkawa — Japan’s City of Furniture

The video was filmed in Ōkawa, a small town in Fukuoka Prefecture known for centuries of furniture craftsmanship.
You’ll also see peaceful rice fields and unique irrigation canals called “creeks”,
a landscape found almost nowhere else in Japan.

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🛠 Why This Matters for Earthquake Safety

In earthquake-prone countries like Japan, furniture safety is more than just convenience — it's a life-saving consideration.
Choosing tall storage furniture with anti-tip features or placing it close to the ceiling can make a real difference.

At Ōkawa Kagu, we believe in long-lasting, safe, and beautiful furniture that respects both tradition and safety.

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🌍 Want to Experience Japanese Quality Furniture?

We ship worldwide through our international store Sty.
From traditional tansu chests to custom-made wood storage — experience the care of Japanese craftsmanship in your home.