Kumamoto Earthquake Experience Project - KEEP

22/04/2025

On April 17th, KEEP member Andrew Mitchell had the pleasure of speaking alongside four other representatives of Kumamoto's foreign community at a training event for new employees at Kumamoto City Hall. They shared insights into some of the challenges foreign residents face when moving to Japan.

Andrew focused on the idea of "stock knowledge": the everyday, taken-for-granted knowledge that people who grow up in Japan naturally acquire, but which is often unknown to those who move here - even fluent Japanese speakers. Disaster preparedness is one example, but for city hall employees, He emphasised how even long-term residents may be unaware of the various administrative procedures necessary in Japan.

The event was a great success. Participants reflected on what they had learned from our talks, and the organisers expressed their appreciation for the perspectives we shared. It was encouraging to know that these future civil servants, who will form the backbone of Kumamoto City's governance, were open to hearing views they might not have encountered before.

17/04/2025

KEEP member Andrew Mitchell was interviewed by the Nishinippon Shimbun.

The article captures both the experiences from that time and the challenges that remain in building a disaster-resilient community in Kumamoto. This is not only a challenge for foreign residents, whether long-term or newcomers, but for all Kumamoto residents, regardless of their background.

The final two paragraphs of the article (translated below) perfectly express what KEEP hopes to achieve through its activities:

“Mitchell points out that it’s not only foreigners who haven’t participated in disaster drills, but also many Japanese people who tend to think, ‘This doesn’t concern me.’ The challenge, he says, is how to overcome that mindset. ‘We can’t predict or prevent earthquakes, but we can prepare for them.’

He emphasizes that in times of emergency, sharing information is essential, and that building mutual understanding across diversity requires Japanese and non-Japanese residents to create a community together. He calls on people to ‘KEEP together.’”

2016年の熊本地震は4月14日の前震と16日の本震で最大震度7を2回観測した。地震国に暮らす日本人にとっても予想を超える災禍。地震の...2016年の熊本地震は4月14日の前震と16日の本震で最大震度7を2回観測した。地震国に暮ら.....

16/04/2025

Today is the 9th anniversary of the main shock of the Kumamoto earthquakes. This earthquake took dozens of lives in a few moments and hundreds more in disaster-related causes as the hours, days, and weeks went by.

Today is a day to remember the lives lost, the harm done, and the damaged caused, while also thinking about the ways we can continue to make Kumamoto a safer place for all residents.

The Yomiuri Shimbun published this article today about the efforts being made to build a disaster-resilient Kumamoto for all residents, and how international residents are playing their part in this. KEEP member Andrew Mitchell spoke to the Yomiuri about his own earthquake experience and what he believes is needed to better prepare newcomers for disaster.

https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kyushu/news/20250416-OYTNT50021/
(Photo from the Yomiuri Shimbun article)

14/04/2025

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquakes. specifically the foreshock that struck at 21:26.

Although KEEP focuses on the experiences of the foreign community during that time, it’s important to remember that all of us, Japanese and foreign residents alike, were suddenly thrown into a situation that none of us had anticipated and few knew how to adequately respond to.

This article from The Japan Times highlights the work of Shizuyo Yoshimura, a long-time resident of Mashiki, who has spent the past nine years sharing her experience of the 2016 earthquakes so that future generations can learn from the painful lessons of that time. Through the efforts of people who experienced this earthquake we can help others in Japan and beyond better prepare for future disasters.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/14/japan/kumamoto-quake-anniversary/
(photo taken from Japan Times article)

01/04/2025

The Japanese government has released updated projections on the potential damage from a major Nankai Trough megaquake. In the worst-case scenario, approximately 298,000 people could lose their lives, and 2.35 million buildings could collapse.

While the most severe destruction would occur in prefectures directly adjacent to the trough, Kumamoto would also experience intense shaking, potentially leading to significant damage and casualties. Furthermore, regions that are not catastrophically affected would need to provide support to the hardest-hit areas, creating a nationwide challenge.

Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the next major earthquake strikes the Nankai Trough. The best we can do is prepare as much as possible and practice disaster mitigation - even when traveling. Simple actions, such as identifying emergency exits in hotels and understanding the risks of the areas we visit, can make a huge difference.

The Cabinet Office released on March 31 slightly lower death and disaster projections from an expected Nankai Trough megaquake than calculated a decade ago, but the numbers remain horrific and far short of the government's targets.

28/03/2025

There has been a major earthquake in Myanmar, causing buildings to collapse in both Myanmar and Thailand. Tragically, multiple deaths have already been reported, and the toll is expected to rise significantly.

This disaster is a devastating blow to the region and to Myanmar, a country that has already endured years of internal conflict and hardship.

For KEEP, this tragedy also feels personal. Two of our founding members are from Myanmar, and one of them is currently there. Thankfully, she is safe, but many others have not been as fortunate.

We at KEEP hope that, despite the political turmoil in the country, international aid can reach those in need as quickly as possible - to rescue the trapped and provide critical assistance to those affected in the difficult days and weeks ahead.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit the heart of war-ravaged Myanmar on Friday, triggering the collapse of buildings across the region with many feared dead, as Thai authorities declared the capital Bangkok an “emergency zone.”

17/03/2025

We just had an earthquake alarm in Kumamoto city. It looks like the earthquake was in the Amakusa area but was relatively mild.

If you were woken up by the alarm, please make sure there is nothing near your bed which could fall on you while you sleep. Apart from that, we hope this was the worst of it and that you can all get back to sleep.

17/03/2025

With Japan welcoming more international tourists, ensuring disaster preparedness for non-Japanese speakers is more important than ever.

In an earthquake drill held in Shinjuku last month, 30 foreign nationals participated, making up 40% of the total. Shelter staff used English, translation apps, and multilingual signs to communicate but struggled to respond to questions about phone charging and allergens in meals.

Such drills are essential for helping municipalities across Japan refine their disaster response, ensuring that both Japanese and non-Japanese victims can receive the aid they need as quickly as possible.

Shinjuku and Tokyo Station conduct evacuation exercises in foreign languages

11/03/2025

Today is a day of remembrance in Japan for the approximately 20,000 people who lost their lives in the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. At 14:46 - the exact time the earthquake struck - sirens will sound across many parts of Japan, inviting people to observe a minute of silence for those who perished. We hope those of you in Japan will take a moment to remember the lives lost on that day.

It is also a good time to reflect on how far Tohoku has come in the 14 years since the disaster. This Japan Times article highlights Fukushima’s efforts to establish itself as a startup hub, leveraging funding initiatives and support to rebuild the economy with a focus on innovation.

While nothing can ever replace what was lost in 2011, it is encouraging to see efforts—both public and private—focused on restoring Fukushima’s economy and advancing the technologies that will shape the 21st century.

www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/03/11/fukushima-startup-hub/

#地震 #311

06/03/2025

KEEP is now on Instagram. Please feel free to follow us there too!

3 Followers, 4 Following, 2 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Kumamoto Earthquake Experience Project ()

24/02/2025

On Saturday, February 22nd, KEEP participated in a disaster prevention and multicultural coexistence event in Kurume. We shared insights on the experiences of foreign residents during the Kumamoto earthquakes and the ongoing challenges they face in preparing for disasters. Sakumoto-sensei, a Japanese language instructor, discussed the importance of easy Japanese and how to communicate more effectively with foreign residents.

Events like this—where foreign and Japanese residents work together to address disaster preparedness from multiple perspectives—are essential for building stronger, more resilient communities in Kurume, Kumamoto, and across Japan.

13/02/2025

KEEP member Andrew Mitchell, along with two other speakers, spoke at Kumamoto International Foundation yesterday to students from Waseda University's GLFP Program. They heard about the experience of foreign residents during the Kumamoto earthquakes, issues foreign workers face in Kumamoto, and about integration efforts and remaining challenges.

17/01/2025

Today marks 30 years since the Great Hanshin Earthquake, a disaster which killed 6434 people. A memorial service was held in Kobe this morning and at 05:46, the time when the earthquake struck, silent prayers were offered in remembrance.

The earthquake triggered widespread changes in disaster management in Japan, changes such as giving the Japanese Self-Defense Forces the legal mandate to deploy forces quickly to help those in need.

If you have not visited Kobe, it is close to Osaka and easy to get there for a day trip. The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum is also well worth a visit, giving visitors an in-depth look at what happened on that cold January morning.

We can't predict when the next disaster will strike and we can't prevent it. But we can prepare for it. While the government has taken many steps to improve its disaster response, you will have to rely on yourself in the moments during and after a disaster, so please prepare accordingly.

Let's KEEP together!

Having outlined the Self-Defense Forces' active role and support for victims, the government now aims to set up a new central agency for disaster relief.