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Disaster preparedness and risk perception in Asia

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2026-09-01 01:38 UTC → 2026-09-01 23:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Disaster preparedness in Japan and broader Asian regions shows a significant gap between high levels of anxiety and actual readiness. In Japan, local authorities have conducted large-scale training exercises, such as a magnitude 6.9 earthquake simulation in Hokkaido, to test command structures and information sharing. Despite these institutional efforts, social trends indicate declining engagement. Surveys show a drop in workplace drill participation and a lack of knowledge regarding evacuation sites. While many citizens feel anxious about natural disasters, stockpiling of essential supplies like drinking water remains insufficient. Regional studies across Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand confirm that a majority of respondents feel their preparations are inadequate. While earthquake risks dominate concerns in Japan and Taiwan, flooding is the primary worry in Thailand. Additionally, the spread of misinformation has been identified as a major obstacle to effective disaster management across these nations. Among Japanese youth, there is a growing perception that disasters are increasing in frequency, with some considering migration due to seismic risks. A recent LINE Yahoo study of 1,260 individuals reinforces these findings, noting that 88.1% of Japanese respondents reported inadequate preparedness. In Japan, experts are specifically warning of the long-term urban challenges posed by a major earthquake beneath the capital, including infrastructure damage and disrupted transportation. While over 60% of Japanese high school students know their local evacuation sites, many lack specific family communication plans. To address “preparedness fatigue,” experts recommend “phase-free” strategies, such as “reward stockpiling” of preferred foods to integrate emergency supplies into daily life. Digital tools are also being deployed to combat the rising threat of misinformation.

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