[REVISION HISTORY]

Japan establishment of Disaster Management Agency

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2026-11-02 22:03 UTC → 2026-11-02 22:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Japan launched the Disaster Management Agency on November 2, 2026, transitioning from a division within the Cabinet Office to an independent central command hub. Led by the Prime Minister and supported by a dedicated Disaster Management Minister, the agency is designed to coordinate national-scale crisis responses, ranging from proactive prevention to emergency recovery. It specifically targets threats such as the Nankai Trough earthquake, major Tokyo metropolitan earthquakes, and Mount Fuji eruptions. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the inauguration, instructing government ministries to reduce bureaucratic silos to support the agency's function. To overcome silos regarding logistics, medical care, and shelter management, the agency has been granted the authority to issue recommendations to other ministries. The workforce has increased to 352 members, a 1.6-fold increase from its predecessor, with a requested budget expansion from 21.8 billion yen to 65.2 billion yen. Key responsibilities include formulating basic disaster prevention policies and creating the Basic Disaster Management Plan through the Central Disaster Management Council. The agency also plans to establish regional centers, with locations to be selected in 2027 and operations expected to begin by July 2028. To support local municipalities, the government plans to deploy “Furusato Disaster Management Staff,” specialized professionals, and is considering establishing a Disaster Management College for long-term training. Through the Disaster Management Strength Enhancement Grant established in fiscal year 2026, the agency will assist local governments in addressing regional vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the government aims to promote 2.6 trillion yen in public and private investment over five years to develop and commercialize disaster prevention technologies. In conjunction with the launch, Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono has urged citizens to strengthen personal preparedness by stockpiling at least three to seven days of essential supplies.

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