Japan disaster preparedness shows gaps in drills and supplies

Recent surveys and drills in Japan highlight a complex landscape of disaster preparedness. In Hokkaido, the Hidaka Promotion Bureau conducted a large-scale training exercise simulating a magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Urakawa. The drill involved 50 participants from various agencies, including the Japan Self-Defense Forces and local police, to test information sharing and command structures for a potential intensity 6-upper earthquake.

However, broader social trends suggest declining engagement and preparedness. A survey of office workers by TSP Taiyo revealed a 13.7 percentage point drop in the willingness to participate in workplace disaster drills, with many citing routine or ineffective training as reasons. Additionally, the percentage of workers who know their workplace evacuation sites fell significantly.

Complementing this, a study by Fujisan GX Holdings found that while 88% of respondents feel anxious about natural disasters, actual stockpiling is insufficient. Approximately 60% of people hold 20 liters or less of drinking water, which falls below the recommended emergency levels for many households. The study also noted a decline in the practice of 'rolling stock' methods due to the effort required for management.