Kumamoto Earthquake Experience Project - KEEP

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.

13/01/2025

There has just been a fairly strong earthquake in Miyazaki, with automatic earthquakes sounding on smartphones in Kumamoto city.

There should be no risk in Kumamoto for now as the shaking was relatively light. But please make sure you have your disaster bag etc. in an easily accessible place just in case.

If you are in Miyazaki please look on NHK World or other news outlets for further information.

07/01/2025

This article discussed a new translation system which takes account of things like place names when translating.

As anybody who has used translation software will know, Japanese place names can be very badly translated. For example, Kumamoto University's Kurokami (黒髪) campus can sometimes be translated as Black Hair campus, which is meaningless unless you understand why the translation software made that mistake.

It is good to see the development of such apps to aid in the quick and accurate transmission of disaster information during disasters, freeing staff members to help those affected by the disaster in more practical ways.

Konica Minolta Inc. has developed a system that automatically translates information on disasters and evacuation into foreign languages and will release the system to local governments in fiscal 2025.

06/01/2025

There is a growing recognition in Japan of the need to provide disaster information and training to non-Japanese residents. This Japan Times article highlights how different regions are preparing to assist both foreign residents and tourists in times of disaster. Measures include disaster training programs and multilingual apps designed to deliver critical information quickly.

The earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on Jan. 1 highlighted the need to help foreign nationals who do not speak Japanese be more informed.

02/01/2025

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Services were held to remember those who lost their lives during the earthquake and in the chaos it caused.

Although the new year is, and should be, a cause for celebration, it is also important to remember the risks that all residents of Japan face 24/7 and to make sure we are as prepared as we can be. Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. We cannot spend our lives thinking about what might happen, but we should do our best to be prepared for disaster in case it does happen.

All the best to everyone for the new year, let's KEEP together!

The death toll from the New Year's Day quake came to 504, including those who died during evacuation or from other indirect causes.

19/12/2024

In October this year, KEEP took part in a disaster training seminar held in Kumamoto city for foreign residents, with attendees coming from across the prefecture. It is good to see other prefectures across Japan also doing similar things for their foreign residents.

YAMAGATA — An annual event to educate foreign residents about how to respond when a disaster strikes was held at a natural disaster prevention center in Yamagata on Nov. 30.

19/12/2024

KEEP will be speaking in Kurume on the 22nd February 2025 about disaster prevention for foreign residents and cultural coexistence. An expert in Easy Japanese will also give a talk.

Please check the preliminary flyer below for details (a higher resolution one will be posted in the near future) and please feel free to attend if you are interested.

30/10/2024

During his recent appearance on Kumamoto Kenmin Television (KKT), KEEP member Andrew Mitchell spoke about the essential items he keeps in his emergency bag. These items, based on his experiences during Kumamoto's earthquakes and typhoons, are what he considers essential should disaster strike again.

- Snacks and water: essential for the period before aid becomes available

- Approximately 4,000 yen in coins: buy necessities if any shops are open

- A change of clothes: including socks and underwear

- Basic hygiene items: a toothbrush, wet wipes, and sanitizing gel

- An inflatable air mattress and an aluminum blanket: to keep warm and sleep comfortably

- A portable smartphone battery, one capable of keeping a phone charged for at least two days: contact friends and family as well as get information

- Work gloves: useful for clearing debris inside and outside if needed

When creating your own emergency bag, consider the unique needs of yourself, your family, and anyone else who might rely on you during a disaster. Preparing in advance will not only make your situation more comfortable but could also be lifesaving for you and your loved ones

Let's KEEP together!

24/10/2024

On October 11th, KEEP member Andrew Mitchell appeared on Kumamoto Kenmin Television (KKT) to discuss disaster prevention for foreign residents.

One of the topics he covered was the use of やさしい日本語 (yasashii nihongo), or easy Japanese. Many Japanese people are unsure how to convey key terms in easy Japanese, so four examples were presented during the TV segment. The blue side of each card displayed the typical Japanese expression, while the yellow side showed how to express the same term in easy Japanese.

- Top left card: "Remove your shoes"
- Top right card: "It opens at 9 am"
- Bottom left card: "Evacuate"
- Bottom right card: "Valuables"

During the segment, Andrew specifically discussed the use of easy Japanese for "evacuate" and "it opens at 9 am." He suggested that when telling someone to evacuate, it’s helpful to provide additional information, such as "Let’s go to a safe place" (安全な場所に行きましょう, anzenna basho ni ikimashou), so the person understands why they need to leave. For opening times, Andrew proposed that saying "It’s from 9 am" (9時からです, kuji kara desu) would be even easier for beginners in Japanese to understand.

Such demonstrations are crucial for Japanese residents, helping them understand the language barriers many foreign residents face and giving them the knowledge to assist if a disaster strikes again.