It's not that hey won't last exactly, but more that regulations have improved since the mid 90's and revised in 2004, so newer buildings are considered to be safer.
It's actually something people talk about when looking at renting a new apartment.
The biggest change was in the 1980s (1981 iirc). Existing structures were grandfathered in, but the Kobe earthquake proved newer buildings were much, much safer which inspired people to rebuild their homes ASAP.
It's actually something people talk about when looking at renting a new apartment.