Nationwide Emergency Preparedness Appeal Planned
Japan’s Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono plans to issue an emergency preparedness appeal to residents nationwide on November 2, coinciding with the launch of the government’s new Disaster Prevention Agency.
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The appeal will encourage every household to prepare essential supplies in advance so families can manage independently during the initial days following a major disaster. The government aims to strengthen public awareness of disaster readiness and reduce dependence on immediate outside assistance when emergency services and supply networks may be disrupted.
Households Advised to Store Supplies for Seven Days
Hosono has urged households to keep at least three days’ worth of emergency supplies, while recommending enough provisions for a full week wherever possible.
Key items include:
● Drinking water and food that can be stored for emergencies
● Portable toilets and essential sanitation supplies
● Other daily necessities needed when electricity, water and transport services are disrupted
Having these supplies ready can help families cope while rescue operations, relief deliveries and public services are being organised.
Major Earthquakes and Mount Fuji Eruption Among Key Risks
Hosono identified several potential large-scale disasters that Japan must prepare for, including a major earthquake along the Nankai Trough, an earthquake directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area, megaquakes along the Chishima and Japan trenches, and a possible eruption of Mount Fuji.
Such events could damage roads, disrupt communications and interrupt supply chains, potentially delaying emergency assistance. The minister stressed that better household preparedness would help people manage until public support becomes available.
The planned appeal is part of a broader effort to strengthen disaster preparedness as Japan establishes its new National Disaster Management Agency on November 2. The agency is intended to coordinate disaster planning, emergency response and recovery across government bodies.
Improving Evacuation Shelters Is a Priority
Alongside household preparedness, Hosono highlighted the need to improve conditions in evacuation shelters.
He outlined a plan to strengthen the provision of toilets, warm meals, beds and bathing facilities through cooperation between the government and private-sector organisations. The approach expands on the concept known as “TKB” toilets, kitchen and beds by adding bathing facilities, creating “TKBB.”
Better shelter conditions can help protect the health and dignity of people displaced by disasters, particularly during prolonged evacuations.
Japan’s planned emergency appeal highlights the importance of preparing before a disaster strikes. By keeping essential supplies at home and improving evacuation facilities, the government hopes to help communities withstand major emergencies while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
