Tokyo Fire Department New Year's Ceremony Celebrates Tradition and Readiness

On January 6, 2025, the Tokyo Fire Department hosted a New Year's parade known as the Dezomeshiki in Koto Ward, Tokyo. This traditional ceremony began in Japan’s Edo period in the 17th century. The spectacular event celebrates the importance of fire and emergency services in a country prone to earthquakes and fires.

*Ladder and water tower fire trucks create an impressive lineup. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Showcased activities featured the traditional ladder ride performed by members of the Edo Firefighters Association. These members also demonstrated hikeshi firefighting techniques from the Edo period. Modern fire brigade workers followed with rescue and firefighting drills, including simulating a direct earthquake strike on Tokyo.

*Performers demonstrate ladder skills passed down since the Edo period (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Traditions Dating Back to the Edo Period

In one simulation, a major earthquake struck the metropolitan area, causing fires in collapsed buildings. Citizens and members of fire brigade groups first responded with fire extinguishers, containing flames until fire brigade workers arrived.

*Members of fire brigade groups handle the initial fire response. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Another simulation depicted an explosion at a factory’s hazardous materials tank that sparked a fire. Chemical fire units, equipped for handling dangerous substances, and unmanned water cannon vehicles were dispatched to contain the blaze. Special units carried out rescue operations, freeing injured individuals and vehicles trapped under debris. They also addressed hazardous chemical leaks.

*A chemical response unit, equipped with specialized gear, manages a simulated hazardous chemical leak at a factory. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Drawing on lessons from the 1995 sarin gas subway attack in Tokyo, a specialized unit has been established to respond to toxic chemical and bioterrorism threats.

Elsewhere in the exercise, quick-response teams, fire helicopters, and ladder trucks worked together to rescue people stranded in high-rise buildings.

*Ladder trucks and the Hyper Rescue Team conduct rescue operations from a high-rise building. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Approximately 2,900 fire brigade workers and members of fire brigade groups participated, supported by 150 vehicles, helicopters, and fireboats. Despite the impressive numbers, the 2025 event was scaled down because Tokyo Fire Department units were still assisting in the Noto Peninsula earthquake recovery efforts.

Cooperation in an Emergency

The Tokyo Fire Department is equipped with specialized vehicles, tools, and teams to handle various emergencies. It collaborates with neighboring municipalities to enhance disaster preparedness and response.

In 2024, the Tokyo Fire Department responded to frequent emergencies beginning with the New Year's Day Noto Peninsula earthquake. Deadly fires, landslides, unprecedented heavy rainfall, and extended heat waves followed. These events required frequent deployment by the Tokyo Fire Department.

*Severed roads blocked emergency and other four-wheel vehicles following the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Off-road motorcycle units proved invaluable. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

While 2024 data is not yet available, in 2023, the department responded to 4,330 fires and dispatched ambulances nearly 920,000 times.

In Tokyo, where buildings are densely packed, even small fires can quickly escalate into large-scale disasters.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have also become more common. Incidents sometimes involve batteries overheating while charging. Often they occur from improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries deposited in ordinary household waste, however. Such fires have even caused waste facility blazes, forcing operational shutdowns.

The fire department also noted shifting demands for ambulance services. Many ambulance dispatches in 2024 were for non-emergencies, they reported, sometimes causing delays in responding to critical cases. While 119 is used for emergency calls, residents unsure about the need for an ambulance should call the Tokyo Fire Department Emergency Consultation Center at #7119 for advice.

Calls to assist foreign nationals also increased in 2024, particularly in cases of heatstroke. To help address this challenge, the department now provides access to support in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

*Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike delivers opening remarks on January 6. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Governor and City Prepare with Drills

The Great Kanto Earthquake occurred over 100 years ago in 1923. More recently, in 2024, warnings were issued about a potential Nankai Trough megaquake that could also affect the Tokyo region. With approximately 14 million residents, Tokyo faces an urgent need to prepare for large-scale earthquakes.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike addressed this risk in her opening remarks:

"This year, Tokyo will host major international events, including the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics. We must consistently prepare to ensure the safety and peace of mind of both residents and visitors.”

She continued, sharing information on the metropolis's preparations. “To prepare for large-scale earthquakes that could disrupt central Tokyo, we are developing emergency disaster prevention bases in Tachikawa City and the Tama area,” she said.