Health and emergency medical training events held in Matsusaka and Ayabe

Various health and emergency medical awareness events were held across Japan to educate the public on life-saving techniques.

In Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, the ‘Health Festival 2026’ and the ‘40th Gathering to Think About Emergency Medicine’ drew approximately 3,500 attendees. The event featured hands-on training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). A lecture by Dr. Tamotsu Takita, a physician from Iwate Prefecture, provided insights based on his experiences during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, emphasizing the importance of self-help and preparedness to overcome normalcy bias during disasters.

In Ayabe, Kyoto Prefecture, the Ayabe City Fire Department hosted an ‘Emergency Fair’ at Bazaar Town Ayabe Aspa. Held in conjunction with ‘Emergency Day’ and ‘Emergency Medical Week,’ the event allowed citizens to practice chest compressions on mannequins under the guidance of paramedics and explore the interior of an ambulance. The initiative aimed to deepen community understanding of emergency medical services.