Japan implements multilingual disaster preparedness training for foreign residents

Disaster preparedness initiatives in Japan are increasingly focusing on supporting foreign residents and international students through multilingual training and planning.

In Osaka, local authorities are recruiting foreign participants for disaster drills. These individuals act as non-Japanese speaking victims to help improve evacuation center reception and consultation services. The program aims to foster mutual understanding and ensure effective communication during real emergencies. Participants are offered disaster prevention goods and limited transportation reimbursement.

In Tokyo, the Toyo Language Academy hosted a ‘Tokyo My Timeline Seminar’ for international students to prepare for wind and flood damage. Representatives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Disaster Management division provided guidance on regional flood risks, particularly in Edogawa Ward, which is surrounded by major rivers. Students utilized the ‘Tokyo My Timeline’ tool—a multilingual, chronological action plan—to determine specific evacuation steps based on their individual living environments.