Commentary / World Jan 16, 2020
Volcano tests Philippines' disaster plans
by Adam Minter
New focus on preparedness instead of hasty recovery could be a model for the region.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Nov 2, 2019
Questions raised over disaster preparedness in wake of Typhoon Hagibis
by Philip Brasor
A remark commonly heard in Japan in the wake of a natural disaster is, “We couldn’t predict such a thing.” In the case of Typhoon Hagibis, which ravaged the eastern and northern parts of the archipelago in mid-October, the unpredictable thing was the amount ...
National Oct 12, 2019
Japanese startups develop innovative ways to supply clean water amid disasters
In a country particularly vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes, startups across Japan have been developing innovative systems to provide people with clean water during times of disasters. With residents of Chiba Prefecture still reeling from the effects of powerful Typhoon Faxai, which caused major power ...
National Aug 30, 2019
by Magdalena Osumi
On the eve of Disaster Prevention Day in Japan, communications experts urged authorities using social media to improve messaging targeting foreign residents of Japan and visitors to the country so that what they are trying to convey will come through loud and clear. Amid an ...
National Jul 6, 2019
Western Japan marks first anniversary of deadly mudslides and flooding that killed 275
Memorial services were held Saturday to mark the first anniversary of flooding and mudslides triggered by torrential rains in western Japan that claimed the lives of 275 people. The worst rain disaster in decades killed 137 people in Hiroshima Prefecture, 79 in Okayama Prefecture and ...
National Jun 12, 2019
The agriculture ministry said Tuesday it has found 63,722 reservoirs across Japan that may pose danger to people if they are affected by natural disasters such as torrential rain. The figure as of the end of May was some 5.6 times higher than the number ...
National Dec 26, 2018
Japan saw record 3,451 rain- and quake-induced mudslides in 2018
A record 3,451 mudslides occurred in 2018 due to torrential rains and earthquakes, according to land ministry data. The preliminary figure is the highest since comparable data became available in 1982 and more than three times higher than the annual average of 1,015 through 2017, ...
Business / Economy Dec 2, 2018
Japan's government to earmark ¥1.15 trillion for infrastructure in second extra budget
The move to strengthen infrastructure follows a string of natural disasters earlier this year.
National Nov 5, 2018
Cooperation and information sharing key in disaster response, speakers tell Hiroshima workshop
by Eric Johnston
Given Japan's vulnerability to natural disasters, and with accelerating climate change widely predicted to increase severe weather patterns, increased cooperation and information sharing is more important than ever to meet the needs of victims. That was the message delivered Monday in Hiroshima during a workshop ...
Commentary / World Nov 1, 2018
Tsunami are a clear and ever-present danger
by Mami Mizutori
Complacency is the greatest threat in the face of a natural hazard that knows no time or season.
National Sep 28, 2018
Japan's government to increase financial aid to regions hit by recent disasters
The central government decided Friday to increase financial aid to quake-hit areas of Hokkaido and regions reeling from typhoons in order to help with reconstruction work. The government designated damage in Hokkaido and other areas as "extremely severe" and will provide 10 to 20 percent ...
National Sep 19, 2018
Growth in number of visitors to Japan remains slow in August due to natural disasters
The estimated number of visitors to Japan in August rose 4.1 percent from a year earlier to 2,577,800, marking slow growth due to recent disasters in the country as well as scorching summer heat, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday. A powerful earthquake in ...