Recurrence intervals of active faults are so long that it is impossible to predict empirically the seismic risks of an inland earthquake generated by the faults. It is therefore indispensable for the prevention of disasters to utilize information on paleoseismicities or long-term activity of faults in the late Quaternary.<br> The Southern Hyogo Prefectural Earthquake was generated by slips on the Rokko-Awaji active faults that are located on Awaji Island and in and around the Kobe area. This paper discusses both the active tectonics of the area and the significance of earthquake faults in the tectonics. The aims of the study are to examine the activity of the faults in late Quaternary times, and to provide basic data for future discussion to constitute guidelines for the prevention of disasters caused by inland earthquakes.<br> Geomorphological studies, such as aerophotograph interpretations and topographic leveling surveys, revealed that active faults in the Kobe area can be classified into two groups on the basis of the activity in late Quaternary times. No movement has occurred along the faults of the first group since at least 100, 000 years ago ; terrace surfaces formed ca. 200, 000 or ca. 100, 000 years ago have not been deformed due to the Ashiya fault, the Ootsuki-Nunohiki fault and the Gosukebashi-Uzugamori fault. The second group is composed of the Koyo fault, the Suwayama-Egeyama fault and the Suma fault. They are still active even in the late Quaternary ; young and clear offset features can be observed on geomorphic surfaces along these faults.<br> In addition, two active flexures : the Motomachi and the Nishinomiya flexure, are found in Kobe and Nishinomiya cities, respectively. The tilting toward the SE direction of 100, 000-year-old terrace surfaces indicates that concealed thrusts, which have been active in late Quaternary times, exist close to the feet of flexure scarps. The locations of the thrusts coincide with the heavily damaged zone by the strongest ground motion associated with the Southern Hyogo Prefectural Earthquake. The thrusts possibly took action at that time.<br> Two series of excavations have been performed across the Nojima fault, one of the faults that generated the earthquake. Analyses, such as dating of samples, are still underway. Preliminary results and problems that should be examined in the near future are summarized as follows. (1) The Nojima fault has repeated the displacements a few times (including the 1995 earthquake) in the last 2, 000 years. (2) A slip definitely occurred along the Nojima fault about 2, 000 years ago. (3) Several types of deformation, including an open crack, were likely to be formed close to the fault associated with a 400-year-old earthquake, that is possibly the 1596 Keicho earthquake. (4) It is not yet clear whether the 400-year-old earthquake was generated from the Nojima fault. (5) It is very important to identify the epicentral fault of the Keicho earthquake in order to evaluate the seismic potential and to establish a prevention program in and around the wide Hanshin area.