On March 19, 2025, Gunma Prefecture made history by entering its first disaster agreement at the metropolitan and prefectural level with Develop Co., Ltd. concerning the deployment of 'Rescue Hotels'. This initiative is aimed at utilizing private sector resources to bolster public safety and comfort during emergencies.
The agreement was set to be signed at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2025, at the Gunma Prefectural Office located at Otemachi, Maebashi City. According to Develop Co., Ltd., which has been active since its establishment in February 2007, the partnership aligns with Gunma's vision for enhancing evacuation strategies, particularly focusing on increasing the availability of secondary evacuation centers and providing accommodation for recovery workers and support personnel.
Develop operates the HOTEL R9 The Yard series, which consists of nine hotels situated within Gunma Prefecture. The company has proposed to utilize these hotels as part of the disaster response framework to alleviate the potential overcrowding of conventional evacuation sites. The unique design of 'Rescue Hotels' allows them to serve as temporary shelters, thereby ensuring more dignified living conditions for evacuees.
By providing access to these hotels, the prefecture aims to improve the quality of life during evacuation, supporting those impacted by disasters. "We hope to create not just accommodations but also sanctuaries where individuals can find respite amid chaos," said Ashimura Ken, Vice President of Develop Co., Ltd. This joint effort suggests the commitment of both entities to strengthen community resilience through innovative solutions.
Historically, Develop's development of the 'Rescue Hotel' concept was partly inspired by the severe challenges encountered during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The company quickly mobilized resources to set up temporary accommodations for disaster response workers, witnessing firsthand the burden placed on individuals living under dire conditions within evacuation shelters. This experience laid the groundwork for implementing more versatile and emergency-ready hospitality solutions.
Since then, Develop has leveraged container modules to create fully independent hotel rooms, enhancing both noise reduction and privacy. Facilities within each room cater to comfort with quality beds, bathrooms, refrigerators, microwaves, and air purifiers. Over the years, this model has garnered popularity across the nation, with 98 operational sites comprising 3,611 rooms as of March 17, 2025.
Significant interest arose around the deployment of Rescue Hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking their first activation beyond natural disasters. During those initial deployments in April 2020 at cruise ships to manage the coronavirus outbreak, it became evident how these hotels could fill urgent needs beyond traditional accommodations.
Following these steps, Develop activated additional rooms for temporary medical facilities, ensuring both the privacy and comfort of medical staff and patients at locations across urban settings. The initiative positions these hotels as adaptive mechanisms within local emergency infrastructures, thereby contributing to community healthcare initiatives.
To date, Develop has formalized collaborations with 162 municipal bodies nationwide to promote Emergency Protocols, enabling rapid deployment of Rescue Hotels during crises. Looking forward, the partnership with Gunma Prefecture signals the beginning of enhanced regional safety measures, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which advocate for disaster preparedness.
This groundbreaking partnership not only establishes the fundamental logistics for disaster response but also serves as a template for future collaborations across other prefectures. By prioritizing safety, comfort, and operational readiness, the Rescue Hotels initiative is poised to become integral to the regional fabric of community resilience.
Next steps include collaborative training sessions to prepare staff for rapid deployment conditions and enhancing outreach to local communities about available services during emergencies. By focusing on both private and public sector collaboration, Gunma Prefecture and Develop Co., Ltd. aim to set benchmarks for disaster preparedness innovation and operational excellence.
The ramifications of this agreement transcend immediate crisis response, laying the foundation for long-term community safety, engagement, and building trust among residents seeking reassurance during uncertain times. This proactive approach reflects the shared vision of protecting human life and dignity amid disaster.
Develop Co., Ltd. continues to pursue strategic alliances, ensuring their response network remains agile and responsive. Their commitment to disaster management through the evolution of Rescue Hotels is undoubtedly paving the way for more resilient and sustainable communities across Japan.