Regarding health and disaster prevention, have you been putting it off while thinking, "I should do it"?
I am exactly that type of person.
Chased by the busyness of daily life, even though I have the motivation, I have not been able to take concrete action until now.
At such a time, I heard that there was an event in Kojima, Kurashiki City, where you could learn about health and disaster prevention at the same time, so I participated.
I will introduce the events of the day.
What is the "Kojima Health Festival"?
The "Kojima Health Festival" is an event aimed at promoting the health of citizens held at the Kojima Community Center in Kurashiki City.
The theme for 2025 is "Let's know and protect our health - Let's think about disaster prevention! Building physical strength to protect ourselves." The sub-theme is "disaster prevention," and there were many experiential events such as earthquake experiences and tastings of disaster prevention food.
The event incorporated perspectives that connect daily health management with disaster preparedness, attracting a wide range of generations from families with children to the elderly.
Events of the day
At the reception, I received a pamphlet and went around each booth in a stamp rally format.
Collecting stamps allows you to receive a prize at the end.
The venue had many elderly people, but there were also booths for children, such as balloon art, creating an atmosphere enjoyable for families.
Photos of the Mabi area, which was affected by the heavy rain in July 2018, were also on display.
Disasters can swallow everything in an instant and continue to spread damage gradually afterward. I was reminded of the importance of considering disaster prevention as something close to us.
Health check & health consultation booth
This is a booth related to health.
By participating in booths such as bone density and blood flow measurement, you can receive health advice tailored to each individual.
It was bustling with people reviewing their daily habits and consulting about health concerns.
Additionally, the measurement experiences are not limited to this event, as they are also held in various regions of Kurashiki City under the name of "Mini Health Exhibitions."
If you are interested, why not take a visit?
Experience shaking of seismic intensity 7 in the earthquake experience vehicle
In the earthquake experience vehicle, I experienced shaking of seismic intensity 7.
This is said to replicate the Kumamoto earthquake of 2016.
When I actually experienced it, it was more intense than I imagined, and I couldn't move at all.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, seismic intensity 7 is the largest shaking on a scale of 10, and it has been observed 7 times since 1949.
The most recent instance was the "Noto Peninsula Earthquake" that occurred on New Year's Day 2024, which had a seismic intensity of 7. I vividly remember the news footage.
The earthquake experience vehicle prompted me to ask myself, "How would I act if I were to encounter a major earthquake?"
Exhibits & tasting of disaster prevention food
On the second floor of the venue, there were numerous disaster-related exhibits.
According to the latest information from the government's Earthquake Investigation Committee, it is predicted that there is an approximately 80% chance of a Nankai Trough earthquake occurring within the next 30 years.
The exhibits made it clear that "disasters can happen at any time."
There was also information about an app from Kurashiki City that notifies you of emergency information, so I immediately installed it on my smartphone.
In the app store, search for "CosmoCast" instead of "Kurashiki Emergency Notification App" to find it easily.
Disaster prevention goods can be easily obtained at 100 yen shops. It is a convenient era.
What stood out in the children's disaster prevention set was the toys.
It's a thoughtful way to protect children's hearts. It might be good to prepare their favorite toys that suit them.
I also visited the tasting corner for disaster food.
What I received were the alpha rice "Wakame Rice" and "Dry Curry" from Onishi Food Co., Ltd.
It can be cooked with just water or hot water, without using fire or gas.
Upon closer inspection, the rice was slightly broken, but it had a natural and gentle flavor that was hard to believe it was disaster food.
Conclusion
The Kojima Health Festival was a valuable event where one could learn about health promotion and disaster prevention at the same time.
When it comes to disaster preparedness, people tend to focus on disaster goods and evacuation routes, but I realized that mental and physical health is just as important a preparation.
While maintaining health, it is essential to gather the necessary knowledge and supplies.
This accumulation will surely become the power to protect oneself and loved ones in times of need.
It may be difficult to prepare everything at once, but let's start with small steps. Increase the distance you walk a little or buy additional disaster goods.
The best time to act is now.
Why not start gradually preparing "peace of mind" with what you can do?
Data on the Kojima Health Festival
| Name | Kojima Health Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2025 (Saturday) 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
| Location | 2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Kojima Health Festival | Kurashiki City Official Website (Kojima Health and Welfare Center, Kojima Health Promotion Office) |
