NIPPON Disaster Prevention Assets Connecting Local Memories to the Future

In May 2024, Japan established the “NIPPON Disaster Prevention Assets” certification system. This system certifies facilities and activities that preserve and share the experiences and lessons from past disasters. Examples include festivals, storytellers, and museums that educate people about disaster risk.

This system concerns everyone living in Japan, including foreign residents. Knowing about disaster prevention assets in your area can help you prepare and respond better in emergencies.

Since May 2024, 32 facilities and activities have been certified. Certified assets share accurate disaster information, encourage personal disaster awareness, and include practical learning or evacuation actions.

For example, the “Echigo Sekikawa Taishamon Snake Festival” in Niigata is a traditional festival featuring a 82.8-meter-long snake made from bamboo and straw. It commemorates the 1967 flood disaster and involves many villagers and students, helping the community take early evacuation actions during heavy rains. Other certified assets include the “Kobe Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution” and the “Kesennuma East Japan Earthquake Memorial and Learning Center.”

Please check official government websites like the Cabinet Office or Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for detailed and updated information.