Five years have passed since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, and some people may have begun to lose awareness of disaster prevention.
However, Japan remains a country prone to disasters due to its geological and climatic conditions, and when looking across the nation, there is no shortage of news about earthquakes and floods.
On November 23, 2023, Kurashiki City held an outdoor event called Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair at Mizushima Central Park, where participants could learn about disaster prevention while having fun.
This article will introduce the disaster prevention initiatives undertaken by government and private organizations that were learned about at the "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair."
What is the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair?
What kind of outdoor event allows participants to learn about disaster prevention while having fun?
Here is an overview of the "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair."
Overview of the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
The "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair" was held on November 23, 2023, at Mizushima Central Park.
This event is not only organized by disaster-related organizations such as fire departments and the Self-Defense Forces, but also features booths from private companies.
49 booths were set up throughout Mizushima Central Park, showcasing disaster prevention initiatives based on the activities and business content of the organizations.
There were events where participants could experience using fire trucks to spray water, and each booth was designed to allow participants to learn about disaster prevention while having fun.
The venue was bustling with many families, with approximately 15,000 people visiting the event.
Purpose of the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
As five years have passed since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, awareness of disaster prevention has begun to fade.
Therefore, in order to protect citizens from disasters, Kurashiki City has continued to hold events to raise awareness of disaster prevention.
In the past, there have been awareness-raising activities such as lectures and disaster drills, but there was a desire to inform more people about disaster prevention.
Thus, the event "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair" was planned with the aim of allowing diverse people to learn about disaster prevention while having fun.
Features of the 2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
The Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair was first held in November 2022 at Kurashiki Mirai Park.
For its second iteration in 2023, the venue was moved to Mizushima Central Park with the aim of raising disaster awareness throughout Kurashiki City.
Mizushima was chosen as the event location as a step towards disseminating information across the entire city.
Another feature of the 2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair is the participation of food vendors.
During the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, food vendors, including food trucks, volunteered to provide meals at evacuation centers.
In addition, in 2022, Kurashiki City signed an agreement with the Japan Food Truck Association to establish a system for food trucks to access evacuation centers during disasters.
The "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair" called for the participation of food vendors to allow attendees to experience meals during disaster situations.
Experience Report from the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
I visited the venue of the "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair" and learned about disaster prevention.
In addition to the atmosphere of the venue, I will introduce some of the exhibits and booths.
Fire trucks unique to Mizushima
Entering the venue from the south entrance of Mizushima Central Park, a large fire truck greets you.
The vehicle displayed at the forefront is a type called large chemical fire truck.
This fire truck is dispatched during fires at oil refineries and is equipped with special equipment designed for fires in factories that store vast amounts of hazardous materials.
Additionally, large aerial fire trucks and foam concentrate transport vehicles were on display, showcasing fire trucks unique to the disaster prevention event held in Mizushima.
Fire hose experience
Participants were able to experience spraying water at a target using a hose extended from the fire truck.
The nozzle that releases a powerful stream of water is like a giant water gun for children, which may pique their interest.
Many families were lined up to participate in the water spraying experience.
Huge trucks active in disaster areas
The Ground Self-Defense Force displayed large vehicles used for transporting supplies.
The "3 1/2t truck," which has a high loading capacity, is active in delivering relief supplies to disaster areas.
The tires, which are as tall as a child, are impressive.
Children were seen enjoying the view from the driver's seat.
Learning about the relationship between space development and disaster prevention
KDDI Corporation, a telecommunications company, introduced the satellite broadband internet service Starlink developed by the American company SpaceX.
During disasters, communication infrastructure such as ground base stations may be damaged, making it impossible to deliver information through ground facilities.
The feature of communication via space is that it allows for contact with disaster areas regardless of the damage on the ground.
As long as there is an antenna and power to communicate with the satellite, you can connect to the internet.
What was once thought to be unrelated to daily life, space development can actually be utilized as a communication infrastructure that protects our lives during disasters.
Disaster prevention activities by a tobacco manufacturer
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) is exhibiting a diorama that recreates the entire topography of Kurashiki City using cardboard. The diorama explains the risks of disasters such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis, utilizing the topography as a theme.
Since the topography is visibly represented, it allows for an intuitive understanding of the dangers of flooding, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis.
JT is rolling out the "Rethink PROJECT" nationwide, which aims to solve social issues related to disasters, the environment, and disparities in collaboration with local communities.
In the field of disaster prevention, JT continues to conduct awareness activities to instill the consciousness of self-help (protecting one's own life) through disaster prevention classes that utilize cardboard dioramas.
Learn about disaster prevention while having fun with "Iza! Kaeru Caravan!"
The "Iza! Kaeru Caravan!" is an activity where children can learn about disaster prevention knowledge while having fun.
The caterpillar smoke evacuation time trial, where participants enter a ring resembling a caterpillar and roll forward while competing for time, is a competition designed to teach the posture for evacuating in smoke that occurs during a fire.
Additionally, events such as making a simple stretcher with blankets and card games to learn about disaster prevention knowledge were also held.
In 2005, ten years after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, "Iza! Kaeru Caravan!" started to ensure that the lessons learned from the disaster would not fade away.
Since its first event in Kobe, programs that allow for enjoyable disaster experiences have spread nationwide.
Theatrical-style disaster learning
Kurashiki City Junior College Children's Theater performed a puppet show titled "Amefuri Ike no Ameagari". University students convey the importance of disaster prevention to children through puppet theater.
Additionally, activities related to disaster prevention that are not often encountered in daily life, such as disaster rescue activities using drones and rescue demonstrations by fire rescue teams, were also observed up close.
Visit the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
Before visiting the "Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair," I had no idea what an outdoor event focused on disaster prevention would be like.
Upon actually attending, I found that various organizations and companies were engaging in disaster prevention from diverse perspectives.
Even when simply discussing disaster prevention, there are many systems in place to protect our lives during disasters.
This became an opportunity to learn how our lives are protected by society as a whole.
Articles related to the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
Data on the 2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
| Name | 2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair |
|---|---|
| Date | November 23, 2023 (Thursday, National Holiday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | Mizushima Central Park |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair |
