Typical mid-rise construction in Sannomiya (Downtown Kobe) area to illustrate similarity to U.S. construction and the characteristic mid-height story collapse (Pre-1971 Concrete Frame Building).
Source: EERI Reconnaissance Team

Kobe City Hall Annex. The sixth story of this 8-story frame building collapsed completely.
Source: EERI Reconnaissance Team

First story collapse of non-ductile concrete frame building. Collapse of soft first story concrete frame buildings were common (Pre-1971 Concrete Frame Building).
Source: EERI Reconnaissance Team

Collapse of another soft first story non-ductile concrete frame (Pre-1971 Concrete Frame Building).
Source: EERI Reconnaissance Team

Five-year-old 6-story concrete frame with garage level collapse. This was an exception to the rule of good performance of newer concrete buildings.
Source: EERI Reconnaissance Team