Participants engage in a shelter setup simulation during a Disaster Response Specialist training course. Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture. (©Sankei by Koji Maekawa)
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Ehime Prefecture is cementing its reputation as Japan's most disaster-prepared region. It boasts the highest number of Certified Disaster Response Specialists in the country, a private qualification program that raises disaster awareness and trains community leaders.
As of late October, Ehime had 24,835 certified specialists, surpassing Tokyo's 24,742 despite the latter's significantly larger population. This success highlights Ehime's proactive efforts to promote certification across various sectors.
Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura commented, "This accomplishment reflects our strong collaboration with municipalities and businesses."
Special Training Courses
In early November, Shikokuchuo City hosted a Disaster Response Specialist Training Course with around 80 participants. Attendees worked in groups to simulate setting up a school as an evacuation shelter. They decided where to place living areas, toilets, and reception desks.
One participant asked, "What about evacuees with children?" Another suggested, "Let's place the TV where it's visible to everyone."
After the 15-minute exercise, an instructor from the Japan Disaster Prevention Association emphasized, "Disasters evolve rapidly. Quick decision-making matters more than perfect accuracy."
The two-day course covered topics like earthquake preparedness, tsunami response, and hazard map training. Participants ranged from public servants to private-sector employees and students, representing various age groups.
Yukina Kishimoto, an 18-year-old student from Ehime Prefectural Mishima High School, joined the program through her local disaster response organization. "There's so much to learn, and it's challenging," she said. "But I want to use what I've learned if a disaster happens."
Launched in 2002, the Certified Disaster Response Specialist program equips individuals with skills in disaster preparedness, evacuation, and rescue. The importance of self-help and mutual aid became clear after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, which inspired the program's creation.
Free Courses
To earn certification, candidates complete an accredited training course by the Japan Bousaisi Organization, participate in emergency first aid training, and take a qualification exam. By the end of October, 298,682 people had earned the certification.
Ehime Prefecture has actively promoted the program since 2011. Municipalities sponsor free training courses for candidates recommended by local community disaster response organizations, covering materials, exam fees, and registration costs.
In 2013, the program expanded to include school staff and prefectural disaster response employees. By 2018, the number of certified specialists had exceeded 10,000. Later expansions included private company employees in 2019 and police staff in 2024.
Growing awareness of disaster preparedness, driven by recent severe disasters, has steadily increased registrations. By late October, Ehime had 93 more registrants than Tokyo, making it the nation's top-ranking prefecture. In August, Matsuyama City became Japan's first municipality to surpass 10,000 registrants.
Zero Casualties
Ehime is home to about 1.28 million people. That means it has one Certified Disaster Response Specialist for every 50 residents. "Our disaster response capabilities have significantly improved," a prefectural representative stated.
This progress was evident during the heavy rains that struck western Japan in 2018. In Matsuyama City's Takahama district, Disaster Response Specialists took charge in urging residents to evacuate. As a result, despite widespread damage to homes, no lives were lost.
Similarly, during an earthquake in April 2024, which was the prefecture's first experience of a lower 6 seismic intensity, Disaster Response Specialists once again played a crucial role in guiding residents to higher ground.
Ehime continues to offer skill development training for Certified Disaster Response Specialists. Governor Nakamura underscored the importance of these initiatives:
"Natural disasters are becoming more severe and frequent. With the looming threat of a Nankai Trough Earthquake, the role of Disaster Response Specialists is more crucial than ever."
He added, "Efforts for disaster response and mitigation are never truly complete. With everyone's support in Ehime, we are determined to further strengthen regional disaster preparedness."
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Author: Koji Maekawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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