When it comes to health and disaster preparedness, do you find yourself putting things off even though you think, “I really should do that”?
I’m exactly that kind of person myself.
Caught up in the busyness of everyday life, I had the motivation but never managed to take concrete action.
Then I heard that there was an event in Kojima, Kurashiki City, where you could learn about “health and disaster preparedness” at the same time, so I went along.
Here’s what it was like on the day.
The information presented was accurate at the time this article was published in September 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kojima Health Festival?
The Kojima Health Festival was an event held at the Kurashiki City Kojima Civic Center, aimed at promoting the health of local residents.
The 2025 theme was “Learn how to protect your health—think about disaster preparedness! Build physical strength to protect yourself.” With “disaster preparedness” as its subtheme, the event also featured many hands-on activities, including an earthquake simulator and disaster-preparedness food tasting.
The event brought together people of all ages, from families with children to older adults, with a focus on connecting everyday health management with preparation for disasters.
The event
After picking up a pamphlet at the reception desk, visitors made their way around the booths as part of a stamp rally.
Collect all the stamps and you could receive a prize at the end.
There were many older visitors, but booths for children, such as balloon art, also created a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Photographs of Mabi, which was hit by the July 2018 Heavy Rain, were also on display.
Disasters engulf everything in an instant, and the damage continues to spread gradually afterward. It reminded me once again how important it is to think about disaster preparedness as something close to home.
Health Check and Consultation Booths
These booths focused on health.
Visitors could take part in activities that interested them, such as bone density and blood flow measurements, and receive health advice tailored to them.
The booths were bustling with people reviewing their everyday habits and discussing concerns about their health.
These measurement activities are also held outside this event, as part of “Mini Health Exhibitions” in various areas of Kurashiki City.
If you’re interested, why not stop by one?
Experience a Magnitude 7 Earthquake in an Earthquake Simulator
In the earthquake simulator, I experienced shaking equivalent to a magnitude 7 earthquake.
I was told that it recreates the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.
When I tried it, the shaking was far more intense than I had imagined, and I couldn’t move at all.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, magnitude 7 is the highest of the 10 seismic intensity levels, and it has been recorded seven times since 1949.
Most recently, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which struck on New Year’s Day in 2024, registered a seismic intensity of 7. It’s still fresh in my memory, and I vividly remember the news footage.
The earthquake simulator prompted me to ask myself, “How would I act if I were caught in a major earthquake?”
Exhibits and Disaster-Preparedness Food Tasting
The second floor of the venue was lined with disaster-preparedness exhibits.
According to the latest information from the government’s Earthquake Research Committee, there is an approximately 80% probability that a Nankai Trough earthquake will occur within the next 30 years.
The exhibits made me realize that a disaster could happen at any time.
There was also information from Kurashiki City about an app that provides emergency updates, so I went ahead and installed it on my smartphone.
In the app store, search for “Cosmo Cast” rather than “Kurashiki Emergency Alert App” and it will come right up.
You can easily pick up disaster-preparedness supplies at 100-yen shops, too. It’s a convenient time to live in.
What stood out to me in the disaster-preparedness kits for children was the toys.
They are a thoughtful way to protect children’s emotional well-being. It may be a good idea to prepare a favorite toy or something else suited to each child.
I also visited the disaster-preparedness food tasting corner.
I tried “Wakame Rice” and “Dry Curry” flavored alpha rice from Onisi Foods Co., Ltd.
It can be prepared with just water or hot water, without using fire or gas.
On closer inspection, some of the rice grains were slightly broken, but the flavor was so natural and mild that you would never guess it was disaster-preparedness food.
From the Writer
The Kojima Health Festival was a valuable event where I could learn about both health promotion and disaster preparedness.
When we think about disaster preparedness, we tend to focus on things like emergency supplies and evacuation routes, but I realized that looking after our mental and physical health is just as important a part of being prepared.
Maintaining our health while gathering the knowledge and supplies we need.
Those efforts, built up over time, will surely help protect us and the people we care about when the time comes.
It may be difficult to get everything in order all at once, but let’s start with a small step. Walk a little farther, or add a few items to your emergency supplies.
There’s no time like the present.
Why not start with what you can do and gradually build up your sense of security?
Kojima Health Festival Information
| Name | Kojima Health Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2025 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
| Location | 2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kojima Health Festival | Kurashiki City Official Website (Kojima Health and Welfare Center, Kojima Health Promotion Office) |
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