KDDI held its annual disaster response training on January 24, 2025, at the Yokohama Minato Mirai Seismic Berth, collaborating with various government and military agencies to bolster communication recovery efforts during disasters.
The training, prompted by the increasing severity of natural disasters, focused on utilizing new technology and enhancing existing equipment to improve response times and communication recovery. Over the years, KDDI has conducted large-scale disaster response training annually and approximately 150 smaller practical training exercises throughout Japan.
Kazuhira Yamamoto, KDDI's Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of learning from the past. "A year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, where we gained many insights. We must apply these lessons to respond effectively to future disasters," he stated.
This year's training simulated various disaster scenarios, focusing on communication recovery from large-scale earthquakes. The event was significant not only for its scale but also for the lessons learned from the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, where KDDI identified key areas for improvement.
Participants trained across three distinct environments: inland, harbor, and maritime. For the inland area, KDDI developed scenarios where blocked roads hindered access to communication bases. The Kanto Regional Development Bureau initiated emergency vehicle clearance on impacted roads, marking the start of communication recovery exercises.
Once the road was cleared, KDDI's rapid response team, transported by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, set up mobile communication systems utilizing Starlink satellite technology to restore communication capabilities rapidly.
During the harbor training scenario, where terrestrial access was obstructed, response teams practiced restoring communication by docking vessels at ports. KDDI teams received satellite equipment from the Japan Coast Guard's patrol boat, demonstrating the logistics involved amid geographical challenges.
Maritime training posed even more difficulties, relying entirely on ship-based communication systems. Exercises focused on effectively setting up communication from vessels unable to dock due to debris.
Alongside these, KDDI showcased the use of drones for rescue operations, utilizing Skydio X10 models for locating stranded individuals following disasters. This integration of technology not only streamlines logistical efforts but also enhances response capabilities.
KDDI and partner companies proactively implemented collaborative agreements for swift communication recovery during disasters; for example, the recent discontinuation of communication services highlighted the importance of inter-company cooperation.
A demo of the newly developed Starlink technology revealed its capability to establish direct smartphone connections, even when traditional network infrastructure fails. This innovation is particularly timely, anticipating the types of failures observed during past crises.
The training concluded with demonstrations of advanced communication systems, including the battery management and power supply oversight mechanisms, showcasing how they can sustain operations during outages.
Following the exercises, attendees were able to tour the various equipment and vehicles from historical communication methods to modern innovations. This included display vehicles utilized during past disaster recoveries and the newly launched mobile communication stations highlighted by KDDI.
This training emphasized KDDI's commitment to enhancing communication recovery and disaster response capabilities, paving the way for more resilient infrastructure amid Japan's increase in natural disasters.
Efforts like these are integral to KDDI's broader vision encapsulated in their 'KDDI VISION 2030', which strives to effectively connect communities even under adverse conditions. Yamamoto concluded, "We hope to create a society where everyone can realize their aspirations through connected power, especially during emergencies."