The streets of Japan are once again echoing with discussions on earthquake preparedness, following significant seismic activity over the past year. Naoko Tsuji, a renowned international disaster rescue nurse, shares her expertise, having endured two major earthquakes herself. Tsuji insists on the importance of being proactive when it’s about protecting lives and minimizing damage during disasters.
Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent earthquakes, leading to devastating consequences for communities. Tsuji’s home survived the strong vibrations of the Osaka northern earthquake, registering at intensity level six, due largely to her strategic use of affordable items from 100 yen stores. "If you do nothing, every item inside your room can become a lethal weapon during seismic shakes," asserts Tsuji, highlighting the urgent need for effective home safety measures.
Tsuji emphasizes her disaster preparedness strategies, stating, "Disaster preparation is often perceived as costly and tedious, but it can start small and simple. Use what’s readily available to you." For example, she shares simple yet effective methods, such as employing books to fill gaps between furniture and ceilings, effectively stabilizing them.
On January 24, 2025, the KDDI Group conducted its disaster response training exercise at the Yokohama disaster-resistant port, reflecting on the lessons learned from last year’s Noto Peninsula earthquake. This large-scale training involved around 200 participants from pertinent government agencies, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Japan Coast Guard, and the Ground Self-Defense Force. The scenario simulated the isolation of communities after significant seismic activity, showcasing rescue drills and communications restoration exercises.
KDDI’s emphasis on maintaining stable communication networks during disasters has been evident. They introduced advanced technology solutions such as Starlink satellite communications and drone-assisted surveillance to facilitate recovery efforts and connect isolated communities.
According to KDDI, effective responses depend not only on planned strategies but also on the agility of organizations to adapt to real-time situations. The company has also been developing and introducing new telecommunications technologies aimed at supporting emergency services and aiding those impacted by disasters.
Kuniyuki Kawasaki, the administrative director of Wajima Municipal Hospital, reflects on the hospital's experience during the Noto Peninsula earthquake. He notes the dramatic damage sustained, which disrupted life support utilities: “Our experience during the 2024 earthquake has made it clear – we must craft our business continuity plans with stringent resource constraints and realistic anticipations of damage.” Kawasaki credits the preparedness training beforehand as being instrumental, stating, “Even if our conventional plans didn’t function as intended, our rigorous training ensured we could still operate effectively amid chaos.”
Challenges for local hospitals are magnified after earthquakes where supply lines and transport routes can be severely disrupted. Kawasaki highlights the importance of mobility on the part of emergency medical personnel, noting, “Even faced with the worst situations, it’s about identifying the possibilities and acting accordingly.” The health sector learned to position medical resources strategically based on the anticipated impact of potential disasters.
Community resilience has also come to the forefront, as families share tales of adopting disaster readiness skills from those like Tsuji. Countless households are learning to secure furniture and valuable items simply and effectively with items from local 100 yen shops. Tsuji mentions, "You can reinforce your home without breaking the bank. Start with one thing; it can mean saving your belongings, or maybe even your loved ones."
Additional community-based initiatives have sprung up to support children affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, utilizing digital techniques to create safe play spaces and promote resilience among younger generations. An event organized by the Tokyo government and local groups attracted around 80 families, offering playful activities to bolster the spirits of children who lost their recreational spaces due to the quake.
Japan’s commitment to earthquake preparedness is illustrated through these initiatives, which continue to evolve as new technologies and strategies are developed. The dialogue surrounding disaster preparedness emphasizes not only getting through the next inevitable quake but doing so by connecting resources, families, and technology. While the earth may tremble beneath their feet, the community's spirit prevails, ever stronger through learning, adapting, and preparing.
With the lessons learned from recent disasters clear, Ensuing discussions are focusing on how to improve BCP (Business Continuity Planning) and overall community resilience. From Tsuji's methods to KDDI's technologies and Kawasaki's hospital experiences, Japan’s future disaster strategies are leaning toward more integrated and community-centered approaches, ensuring readiness and stability no matter the cause of the next great quake.