Japan disaster preparedness and school facility upgrades

Following the July 28, 2024, Kumamoto earthquake, educational and governmental institutions in Japan have implemented various relief and preparedness measures. The Kumamoto College of Technology suspended classes and requested that employers provide flexibility regarding job-search activities for students affected by evacuation and communication disruptions.

In response to the disaster, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced plans to increase air-conditioning installation in school gymnasiums used as evacuation shelters. While the initial goal was to reach a 100% installation rate by fiscal year 2035, the government is moving to accelerate this timeline by approximately five years to better prepare for summer disasters.

Local municipalities are advancing these efforts through diverse strategies. Gobo City is fast-tracking air-conditioning upgrades in 10 local school gymnasiums, aiming for completion by June of next year through a proposed budget of 360.7 million yen.

In Sakai City, 31 junior high schools will receive air conditioning this fiscal year using gas-powered heat pump (GHP) systems. These systems were selected because they can operate during power outages and provide limited electricity for charging mobile devices. Sakai City has also established an agreement with Osaka Gas Network to prioritize gas supply to essential facilities during disasters. Additionally, Higashiomi City in Shiga Prefecture has announced plans to complete air conditioning installation in all elementary school gymnasiums by fiscal year 2031, aligning with national government targets.