Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has released a statement saying that at least 14 buildings in the Tokyo area are in danger of collapsing should even a moderate earthquake hit.

Hidetsugu Aneha, the architect who designed the buildings, apparently submitted false documents to the ministry to hide the fact that he failed to implement legally stipulated earthquake resistance measures. Though the statement said that one hotel and 13 apartment buildings erected by Aneha are already complete, it did not reveal the names or locations of the structures, or whether they are currently in use.

Some buildings did not have enough pillars and were in danger of collapsing in a moderate earthquake, Kyodo News agency reported. Ministry officials could not confirm that report.

Construction on four other buildings designed by Aneha [was] stopped because they did not meet the state’s resistance standards.

The government will request local municipalities to provide temporary housing if it decides residents should be moved out following further structural tests, according to the statement.

Excuse me, but I sure would like to know whether the building where I am living with my loved-ones is in danger of imminent collapse, wouldn’t you?

——————– UPDATE 11/18/05
Architect admits wrongdoing

Architect Hidetsugu Aneha has admitted that he falsified structural strength data on 20 condominium buildings and one hotel.

“I had many complicated jobs. I wanted to make those jobs less complicated,” he said. “I falsified data for the first time in 2002.”

Aneha added that he was surprised when a private inspection office approved his falsified documents.

“In order to finish the work, I had no choice but to falsify the documents. I regret it now,” Aneha said.