Japan is a country prone to natural disasters, with earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis being the most common and destructive. For foreigners living, working, or investing in Japan, understanding the characteristics of these natural disasters, early warning systems, and response measures is crucial. This article will comprehensively introduce Japan’s natural disaster prevention and response strategies, provide you with a practical list of disaster prevention supplies and evacuation guidelines, helping you stay calm and take appropriate actions when facing natural disasters.

Overview of Natural Disasters in Japan

1.1 Geographical Location and Geological Features

Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The Japanese archipelago lies at the junction of the Eurasian, Pacific, Philippine Sea, and North American tectonic plates. This unique geological structure makes Japan prone to frequent earthquakes. Surrounded by seas on all sides, Japan has a complex and diverse topography, with plains, basins, mountains, and hills. These geographical features make Japan not only susceptible to earthquakes but also frequently affected by typhoons and tsunamis.

Japan’s geological structure is mainly composed of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, with frequent volcanic activity. There are 110 active volcanoes nationwide, 47 of which are under close monitoring. These active volcanoes not only pose a risk of eruption but also increase the probability of earthquakes. Additionally, Japan has a coastline of approximately 35,000 kilometers, with densely populated and economically developed coastal areas, making these regions particularly vulnerable to tsunamis.

1.2 History and Impact of Natural Disasters in Japan

Throughout Japanese history, natural disasters have been a significant factor affecting national development and people’s lives. The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake caused massive destruction in Tokyo, Yokohama, and other areas, resulting in over 140,000 deaths. The 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake led to 6,434 deaths and economic losses of 10 trillion yen. The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, along with the subsequent tsunami and nuclear accident, had a profound impact on Japan, directly causing nearly 20,000 deaths or missing persons, with economic losses reaching 16.9 trillion yen.

In addition to earthquakes and tsunamis, typhoons also frequently cause severe damage in Japan. During the summer and autumn seasons, Japan is affected by an average of 10-12 typhoons annually. In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis caused nearly 100 deaths and economic losses exceeding 1.5 trillion yen. These natural disasters not only result in significant casualties and property damage but also have far-reaching effects on Japan’s social structure, economic development, and national psychology.

Earthquake Prevention and Response

2.1 Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning System

Japan has one of the most advanced earthquake early warning systems in the world. The Japan Meteorological Agency has established a nationwide seismic observation network, including about 1,000 seismic stations and 4,000 seismic intensity meters. This system can issue warnings within seconds to tens of seconds after an earthquake occurs, providing valuable time for people to take shelter.

There are two types of earthquake warnings: Earthquake Early Warning and Seismic Intensity Information. The Earthquake Early Warning is issued immediately after detecting the initial waves of a strong earthquake and is rapidly disseminated through television, radio, mobile phones, and other channels. The Seismic Intensity Information is released within about 1.5 minutes after the earthquake, providing more detailed information including the epicenter, magnitude, and seismic intensity in various areas.

To ensure that foreign residents can also receive timely earthquake information, Japan has developed multilingual earthquake warning applications such as “Safety tips” and “Yurekuru Call”. These apps not only provide real-time earthquake alerts but also include earthquake safety knowledge and evacuation information.

2.2 Preparation Before an Earthquake

Although it’s impossible to accurately predict when an earthquake will occur, we can reduce losses through thorough preparation. First, establish a family disaster prevention plan, including determining meeting points for family members, contact methods, and escape routes. Conduct regular disaster drills to ensure each family member is familiar with the response procedures.

Second, earthquake-proof your living environment. This includes securing furniture and appliances to prevent them from toppling over during an earthquake. Use anti-slip mats or earthquake-resistant adhesive to secure large appliances like televisions and refrigerators, and use L-shaped metal brackets to secure bookcases and wardrobes. Apply anti-shatter film on glass surfaces to reduce injuries from shattered glass during earthquakes.

Preparing disaster prevention supplies is also crucial. Every household should have an emergency kit containing: 3 days’ worth of food and water (3 liters of water per person per day), a portable radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, essential medications, cash, copies of identification documents, blankets, raincoats, sanitary products, etc. Regularly check and update the items in the emergency kit to ensure they are in good condition when needed.

2.3 Response Measures During an Earthquake

When you feel an earthquake, the primary task is to protect yourself. If indoors, quickly take cover under a sturdy table or stand in a corner or other structurally sound area. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and other items that may shatter, as well as large furniture like bookcases and refrigerators that may topple over.

If outdoors, move away from buildings, utility poles, and billboards that may collapse. In open areas, crouch down and protect your head with your hands or a bag. If in a car, immediately pull over to the right side of the road, turn off the engine, and wait until the shaking stops before moving.

After the earthquake stops, do not rush outside immediately; be alert for aftershocks. First, check the safety of yourself and those around you, and provide simple treatment for any injuries. Then, turn off gas valves and electricity to prevent fires. Open doors to secure escape routes, but do not use elevators.

Listen to the radio or check your phone for the latest information and evacuation instructions. If the building you’re in is visibly damaged or located in a tsunami risk area, evacuate immediately to the designated shelter. When evacuating, carry your emergency kit, wear sturdy shoes, and avoid areas prone to landslides or falling rocks.

2.4 Post-Earthquake Precautions

The hours to days following an earthquake are crucial. First, stay calm and do not believe rumors. Continue to follow official information to learn about rescue progress and evacuation instructions. If you’re in a shelter, follow the shelter’s rules and assist staff in maintaining order.

When it’s safe to do so, you can help neighbors or participate in community mutual aid activities. However, be mindful of your own safety and do not enter damaged buildings. If you have professional skills (such as medical or engineering), report to shelter management so you can provide assistance if needed.

Pay attention to food and water hygiene, preferably consuming sealed foods and bottled water. If using emergency food, ration it carefully as rescue efforts may take several days. Maintain personal hygiene to prevent disease spread. If you experience any discomfort or symptoms, report to medical personnel promptly.

When conditions allow, contact your family, friends, and company as soon as possible to report your safety and learn about their situation. You can use the Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171) or social media safety check features to contact loved ones.

Typhoon Prevention and Response

3.1 Japan’s Typhoon Warning System

The Japan Meteorological Agency is responsible for typhoon monitoring and warning. Through data from satellites, radars, and weather stations, the agency can accurately track typhoon paths and intensity changes. Typhoon warnings usually begin 72 hours before landfall and are continuously updated as the typhoon approaches.

Typhoon warnings are classified into several levels: advisory, warning, and emergency warning. An advisory indicates the possibility of strong winds and heavy rain; a warning suggests the potential for disaster; an emergency warning indicates the possibility of a major disaster. These warnings are issued through various channels including television, radio, and mobile phones, along with detailed forecasts of rainfall, wind speed, and potential disaster types.

Many local governments and private organizations have also developed typhoon information applications, such as “Yahoo! Disaster Prevention Alert” and “NHK NEWS Disaster Prevention”. These apps not only provide real-time typhoon information but also send personalized alerts and evacuation advice based on the user’s location.

3.2 Preparation Before a Typhoon

During typhoon season (usually July to October), it’s important to regularly check weather forecasts, especially when a typhoon forms. Once a typhoon warning is received, preparations should begin immediately.

First, check and secure the exterior of your home. Close and lock all windows and external doors, reinforcing glass windows with tape if necessary. Move plants, bicycles, and other items that could be blown away from balconies indoors or secure them. Check drainage systems to ensure rainwater can be discharged smoothly, preventing water accumulation.

Prepare necessary supplies, including at least 3 days’ worth of food and drinking water, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, first aid kit, rain gear, etc. If there are infants, elderly, or ill people in the household, prepare items they specifically need. Fully charge all electronic devices in case of power outages.

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation information. Check local government websites or disaster prevention handbooks to learn about the nearest evacuation centers and safe evacuation routes. If you live in a low-lying area or near rivers or coasts, be particularly aware of flood and tsunami risks, and evacuate early if necessary.

3.3 Response Measures During a Typhoon

When a typhoon hits, the safest action is to stay indoors and avoid going outside. Close all doors and windows, and draw curtains to prevent injury from shattered glass. Stay away from windows, preferably in an interior room without windows.

Closely monitor weather information and government-issued evacuation instructions. If you receive evacuation advice or orders, act immediately without hesitation. When evacuating, carry necessary items and wear sturdy shoes and waterproof outerwear.

If a power outage occurs, use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire. Keep refrigerator doors closed to maintain internal temperature. Do not use gas stoves or other combustion devices for heating to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

If water enters your home, first cut off the power supply to prevent electric shock. If water levels rise to dangerous levels, immediately evacuate to higher floors or nearby high ground. Do not attempt to walk or drive through deep water, even if it appears shallow.

3.4 Post-Typhoon Precautions

After a typhoon passes, do not rush to go outside. Continue to follow official information to ensure the typhoon has completely left and it’s safe to go out. When venturing outside, be cautious of fallen trees, broken power lines, and objects blown down by the wind.

Check your home for damage, especially the roof and windows. If you find severe damage, do not attempt repairs yourself; contact professionals. If you smell gas, immediately open doors and windows for ventilation and contact the gas company.

Pay attention to drinking water safety. If tap water is contaminated, use bottled water or boil water before drinking. Do not consume food that has been soaked by floodwater.

Assist neighbors in cleaning up typhoon-related debris. However, be mindful of safety; do not touch fallen power lines or enter unstable buildings. If you find anyone injured or trapped, immediately report to rescue personnel.

Tsunami Prevention and Response

4.1 Japan’s Tsunami Warning System

Japan has one of the world’s most advanced tsunami warning systems. Through a dense network of seismic observation stations and seafloor water pressure gauges, the Japan Meteorological Agency can issue initial tsunami warnings within 3 minutes of an earthquake occurrence.

Tsunami warnings are classified into three levels: Tsunami Advisory, Tsunami Warning, and Major Tsunami Warning. A Tsunami Advisory indicates an expected tsunami height of 0.2-1 meter; a Tsunami Warning indicates an expected height of 1-3 meters; a Major Tsunami Warning indicates an expected height exceeding 3 meters. These warnings are rapidly disseminated through television, radio, mobile phones, outdoor speakers, and other channels.

Many coastal areas have also installed tsunami monitoring cameras and water level gauges for real-time sea surface monitoring. Some local governments have developed tsunami evacuation map applications, allowing residents to check the nearest shelters and safe routes via their smartphones.

4.2 Preparation Before a Tsunami

For residents living in coastal areas, understanding tsunami risks and being prepared is crucial. First, learn about the tsunami risk level in your area and historical tsunami records. Check local government-provided tsunami inundation prediction maps to understand potential inundation ranges and depths.

Identify several routes from your residence or workplace to safe high ground or evacuation centers, and physically walk these routes. Remember landmarks and signs along the routes to quickly identify them in emergency situations. If you live in a high-rise building, also familiarize yourself with vertical evacuation routes within the building.

Prepare a tsunami-specific emergency kit containing food, water, portable radio, flashlight, first aid supplies, important documents, etc. Keep this kit in an easily accessible place for quick retrieval in emergencies.

Participate in local tsunami evacuation drills to familiarize yourself with warning sounds and evacuation procedures. Discuss tsunami evacuation plans at home and in the workplace to ensure everyone knows how to act.

4.3 Response Measures During a Tsunami Warning

When you feel a strong earthquake or receive a tsunami warning, the top priority is to immediately evacuate to safe areas. Do not wait until you see the tsunami approaching to act, as it may be too late by then. Even if you don’t feel a strong earthquake, evacuate immediately upon hearing a tsunami warning.

Follow these principles when evacuating: quickly, on foot, and to higher ground. Don’t waste time packing belongings; only take your pre-prepared emergency kit. Do not use cars to evacuate, as roads may quickly become congested. Evacuate towards inland high ground, aiming to reach areas at least 10 meters above sea level.

If you cannot evacuate to high ground in time, choose nearby sturdy high-rise buildings for vertical evacuation. Many buildings in coastal areas have signs indicating floors that can be used for tsunami evacuation.

Stay calm and help others during evacuation. Pay special attention to the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Do not let curiosity drive you to the seaside to watch the tsunami; this is extremely dangerous behavior.

4.4 Precautions after a Tsunami

Even after the first tsunami wave has passed, do not immediately return to low-lying areas. Tsunamis often come in a series of waves, and subsequent waves may be larger than the first. Continue to monitor official information until the tsunami warning is confirmed to be lifted.

Exercise extreme caution when returning to your residence. Tsunamis can alter the terrain, making familiar places potentially dangerous. Be aware of holes, debris, and hazardous items that may have been washed away. Do not enter water-damaged buildings as they may have become unstable.

After a tsunami, drinking water may be contaminated. Use bottled water or boil water before drinking until water safety is confirmed. Similarly, do not consume food that has been soaked in seawater.

Assist with rescue efforts and community reconstruction, but prioritize your own safety. Follow official instructions and do not hinder the work of professional rescue personnel. If you find someone in need of help, report it to rescue personnel immediately.

Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Measures

5.1 Establishing a Family Disaster Prevention Plan

Every family should develop a comprehensive disaster prevention plan covering various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. This plan should include: emergency contact information for family members, meeting points, evacuation routes, locations of important documents, etc. Family members should jointly participate in the planning process to ensure everyone understands and agrees with the plan’s contents.

Regularly update and practice this plan to ensure each family member is familiar with the response procedures. Pay special attention to the specific needs of elderly family members, children, and pets. Discuss how to act in different situations (e.g., at home, at school, at the workplace). It is recommended to conduct a family disaster prevention drill at least once per quarter, simulating different disaster scenarios such as nighttime earthquakes or workday fires to improve family members’ response capabilities.

Prepare a family disaster prevention manual recording important information such as blood types, allergy histories, and regularly used medications. Keep this manual and copies of important documents (e.g., passports, insurance policies) in a waterproof container for easy transport in emergencies. Also, consider digitizing this important information and storing it in the cloud or on an encrypted mobile device for access if the original documents are lost.

When developing the family disaster prevention plan, consider multiple evacuation routes to account for situations where the main route might be blocked. Determine the roles of family members, such as who is responsible for carrying the emergency kit and who will shut off the gas valve. Arrange emergency contact methods with relatives and friends living in other areas as a backup plan when family members cannot contact each other directly.

For family members with special needs, such as those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or infants, develop specific response strategies. For example, prepare sufficient backup medications, ensure assistive devices (like wheelchairs or hearing aids) are readily available, and consider how to evacuate these special populations in emergencies.

5.2 Participating in Community Disaster Prevention Activities

Actively participate in disaster prevention training and drills organized by the community. Many local governments and community organizations regularly hold disaster prevention lectures and practical activities. These activities not only improve individual disaster prevention awareness and skills but also promote mutual assistance among neighbors. Participating in these activities can help you learn the latest disaster prevention knowledge and skills while understanding the community’s disaster prevention resources and plans.

Familiarize yourself with the disaster prevention resources in your community, such as the locations of shelters, automated external defibrillators, and fire hydrants. Participate in creating community disaster prevention maps, marking dangerous areas and safe routes. This not only helps you become familiar with the surrounding environment but also contributes to the community’s disaster prevention efforts. It is advisable to update this information regularly and share it with family members and neighbors.

Join community disaster prevention volunteer organizations. These organizations can assist with evacuation, rescue, and caring for vulnerable groups during disasters. By participating in these activities, you can not only contribute to the community but also establish important interpersonal networks for mutual assistance during disasters. Volunteer organizations usually provide professional training, such as basic first aid and search and rescue skills, which are valuable disaster prevention resources.

Participate in community disaster prevention exercises and simulations. These activities typically simulate real disaster scenarios, such as rescue operations after a major earthquake or emergency evacuations during a typhoon approach. Through actual participation, you can better understand your reactions in emergency situations, identify weaknesses, and make improvements.

Establish a mutual assistance network with neighbors. Identify people in your neighborhood who may need special assistance, such as elderly individuals living alone or persons with disabilities. Build good relationships with neighbors in daily life so that you can look out for each other in emergencies. Consider organizing neighborhood disaster prevention groups to regularly exchange disaster prevention information and resources.

5.3 Utilizing Technology to Enhance Disaster Prevention Capabilities

Fully utilize modern technology to improve individual and family disaster prevention capabilities. Install officially recommended disaster prevention applications that can provide real-time disaster information and personalized evacuation advice. When selecting applications, pay attention to their authority and reliability, prioritizing those developed by government agencies or well-known disaster prevention organizations.

Use smart home devices to enhance household safety. For example, installing smart gas valves and power switches can automatically cut off gas and electricity during earthquakes, reducing fire risks. Smart surveillance cameras allow remote monitoring of home conditions when away. Additionally, consider installing smart smoke detectors, water immersion sensors, and other devices to detect potential dangers early.

Follow official disaster prevention accounts on social media. Many government departments and disaster prevention agencies publish the latest disaster information and prevention knowledge through social media. However, be cautious in verifying the authenticity of information and avoid believing or spreading unconfirmed messages. Establish a list of reliable information sources, including official websites, authoritative media, and professional disaster prevention agencies.

Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to understand the geographical risks of your area. Many local governments provide online map services that mark risk areas such as earthquake fault lines and flood-prone zones. By combining this information, you can better assess the potential risks of your residence and make appropriate disaster prevention preparations.

Use wearable devices to enhance personal safety. Some smartwatches and health trackers have fall detection and emergency assistance functions, which are particularly useful for the elderly or those with special needs. These devices usually have long-lasting batteries and can be used as important communication and positioning tools during power outages.

Explore the application of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in disaster prevention education. Some advanced disaster prevention training centers have begun using these technologies to simulate various disaster scenarios, such as earthquakes and fires, allowing participants to experience disasters in a safe environment and improve their response capabilities.

5.4 Regularly Checking and Updating Disaster Prevention Supplies

Establish a mechanism for regularly checking disaster prevention supplies, such as conducting a comprehensive check every quarter or half year. Check the expiration dates of food and drinking water, replacing expired items promptly. Test electronic devices like flashlights and radios to ensure battery effectiveness. Create a checklist recording the quantity, storage location, and expiration date of each item for systematic management.

Adjust disaster prevention supplies according to seasons and family situations. For example, prepare heat relief items in summer and warm items in winter. If family members have special needs (such as infants, elderly, or those with chronic illnesses), adjust the contents of disaster prevention supplies accordingly. Regularly discuss with family members to ensure the supplies meet everyone’s needs.

In addition to basic disaster prevention supplies, consider adding items that improve quality of life, such as portable chargers, multi-functional tools, and entertainment items. These items can be useful during long-term evacuations. Consider preparing some psychological comfort items, such as family photos or favorite books, which can provide emotional comfort in emergency situations.

Establish a tiered disaster prevention supply storage system. Prepare small emergency kits for carrying, large disaster prevention boxes at home, and vehicle emergency kits stored in cars. Items at each level should be specifically configured according to their purpose and scenario. For example, personal emergency kits should be light and portable, while home disaster prevention boxes can store more comprehensive supplies.

Consider the multi-functionality and practicality of disaster prevention supplies. Choose items that can also be used in daily life, such as multi-functional tools and portable solar chargers. This not only ensures these items are in good condition but also improves their usage efficiency. Regular use of these items also familiarizes family members with their operation methods.

Pay attention to the development of new disaster prevention supplies. With technological advancements, new disaster prevention products are constantly emerging, such as portable water purifiers and high-energy-density emergency food. Update and upgrade disaster prevention supplies in a timely manner to improve their effectiveness and practicality.

5.5 Improving Personal Disaster Prevention Skills

Learn basic first aid skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and bleeding control methods. Many Red Cross organizations and medical institutions regularly offer first aid training courses. These skills can be useful in various emergency situations. It is recommended that at least one member of each family receives formal first aid training and regularly updates these skills.

Understand how to correctly use fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire hydrants. Learn basic escape skills, such as how to move safely in smoke and how to open emergency exits. Participate in fire safety lectures or practical courses organized by local fire departments to personally experience using fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment.

Improve your physical fitness and swimming ability. In some disaster situations, good physical condition can be crucial for survival. Especially for those living in coastal areas, mastering basic swimming skills is very important. Regularly engage in physical training, such as running or climbing stairs, to improve your endurance and strength.

Learn basic outdoor survival skills. In some disaster situations, you may need to survive in an outdoor environment for a period of time. Understanding how to build temporary shelters, how to find and purify water sources, and how to identify safe wild food can be useful. You can join outdoor adventure clubs or wilderness survival training courses to learn these skills.

Master basic tool use and repair skills. In post-disaster situations, being able to perform simple house repairs, pipe unclogging, or electrical appliance maintenance can be very useful. Learn some basic DIY skills in your spare time, such as using common tools, simple carpentry, or electrical knowledge.

Understand the basic principles of psychological first aid. In disaster situations, you need to deal with not only physical injuries but also psychological stress. Learning how to comfort frightened people, how to identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and how to perform self-psychological adjustment are all important disaster prevention skills.

5.6 Corporate Disaster Prevention Measures

Establish a comprehensive corporate disaster prevention system. Companies should set up a dedicated disaster prevention committee responsible for formulating, implementing, and updating the company’s disaster prevention plan. This plan should include risk assessment, emergency response procedures, employee training plans, business continuity strategies, etc. Conduct regular disaster prevention drills to ensure all employees are familiar with emergency procedures.

Strengthen hardware disaster prevention measures in the workplace. Adopt appropriate protective measures based on the main types of disasters in the area where the company is located. For example, in earthquake-prone areas, ensure the stability of office furniture and equipment, install automatic fire extinguishing systems and emergency escape routes. In typhoon-prone areas, strengthen the wind-resistant design of buildings and prepare waterproofing equipment.

Establish an employee safety confirmation system. Use advanced communication technologies, such as dedicated mobile applications or SMS systems, to quickly confirm employees’ safety status during disasters. Establish multiple communication channels to cope with situations where some communication methods may be interrupted.

Develop a business continuity plan. Identify the company’s critical business processes and resources, and formulate strategies to maintain or quickly restore these key functions in disaster situations. This may include data backup, preparation of alternative office locations, diversification of key suppliers, etc. Regularly test and update this plan to ensure its practicality and effectiveness.

Strengthen employees’ disaster prevention awareness and skills training. Regularly organize disaster prevention lectures and practical training, covering basic first aid skills, fire prevention knowledge, escape techniques, etc. Encourage employees to participate in community disaster prevention activities to improve overall disaster prevention awareness.

Prepare adequate corporate disaster prevention supplies. Based on the company’s size and characteristics, stock sufficient food, drinking water, emergency medical supplies, etc. Consider situations where employees may need to take shelter in the office and prepare necessary living supplies such as blankets and temporary toilets. Regularly check and update these supplies to ensure their effectiveness.

Establish cooperation mechanisms with local governments and neighboring businesses. Understand local disaster prevention resources and plans, and actively participate in disaster prevention activities organized by local governments. Establish mutual assistance networks with neighboring businesses to share resources and information in emergency situations.

Emphasize information security and data protection. In natural disasters, corporate data and information systems also face risks. Establish robust data backup and recovery systems, considering using cloud storage or off-site backup methods to protect critical data. Develop information security emergency plans to guard against potential cybersecurity threats brought by disasters.

Pay attention to employees’ mental health. Disasters can bring enormous psychological stress to employees. Companies should establish psychological support mechanisms, such as providing psychological counseling services and organizing stress management workshops. Promptly attend to employees’ psychological conditions after disasters and provide necessary help and support.

Develop flexible work policies. Consider implementing remote work or flexible working hours policies during disasters to reduce employee commuting risks while ensuring normal business operations. Establish clear decision-making mechanisms specifying under what circumstances these special work arrangements should be activated.

Through these comprehensive measures, companies can greatly improve their disaster prevention capabilities, protect employee safety, reduce potential losses from disasters, and quickly resume normal operations after disasters. This not only benefits the company itself but also contributes to the overall disaster prevention and mitigation efforts of society.

Conclusion:

For foreigners living, working, or investing in Japan, it is crucial to fully understand the natural disaster risks in Japan and take appropriate preventive measures. By developing detailed disaster prevention plans, preparing necessary supplies, participating in community activities, and learning disaster prevention knowledge and skills, we can greatly improve our ability to cope with natural disasters.

For overseas companies and investors, integrating disaster prevention awareness and measures into business operations and investment decisions is of significant importance. This not only concerns the safety of corporate assets and employees but also directly affects the company’s ability to maintain operations and fulfill social responsibilities. Establishing a comprehensive corporate disaster prevention system can not only reduce disaster risks but also enhance the company’s image and strengthen the trust of employees and customers.

In a country like Japan where natural disasters are frequent, disaster prevention is not a one-time task but a long-term mission that requires continuous attention and improvement. Through ongoing learning and practice, we can become more composed and organized when facing natural disasters.