The “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair,” an event to promote and raise awareness of disaster preparedness, will be held at Mizushima Central Park on Thursday, November 23, 2023 (national holiday).
Following the event in fiscal 2022, this fair is open to everyone, from adults to children, to participate casually and enjoyably. In fiscal 2023, the hands-on programs are said to be especially extensive.
Here is an introduction to the “Fiscal 2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair.”
The information presented was current when this article was published in November 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair”?
The “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair” is an event organized by Kurashiki City to promote and raise awareness of disaster preparedness.
It will be held at Mizushima Central Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2023 (national holiday).
Mizushima Central Park will be divided into three areas—the lawn area, baseball field area, and fire department area—with many activities, mainly hands-on booths.
- Stage events
- Rescue and relief drills
- Exhibitor booths
- Gathering of working vehicles
- Prize drawing
- Food trucks
Exhibitor booths
There will be 49 booths, mainly from companies and organizations that have disaster-prevention agreements with Kurashiki City.
The focus in fiscal 2023 is on hands-on experiences, and the disaster-prevention workshops are said to be extensive.
In addition to police cars and fire engines, which are popular with children, there will also be working vehicles that are rarely seen up close, such as Self-Defense Forces vehicles and aerial work platforms.
Event program
In addition to stage events such as performances by a music corps and puppet shows, there will be rescue and relief drills by the fire department and police, as well as pork miso soup prepared by the Self-Defense Forces.
I thought it was unusual for the Self-Defense Forces to prepare food, but I was told this is intended to raise awareness of the kinds of things public agencies do at disaster relief sites.
We spoke with “Takenami Masanao,” of the Disaster Prevention Promotion Division, Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Office, Kurashiki City, which plans and runs the “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair.”
Interview with Takenami Masanao of the Disaster Prevention Promotion Division, Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Office, Kurashiki City
Could you tell us about the background to planning the “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair”?
Takenami (surname only)
Every autumn, Kurashiki City used to hold comprehensive disaster-prevention drills, in which city employees, local residents, businesses, cooperating organizations, and others worked together on evacuation drills and evacuation shelter management drills.
I think this is a common challenge in every community, but thankfully, local officers and some people with a strong interest in disaster-prevention activities take part in the drills every year.
On the other hand, we found it difficult to get people with less interest in disaster preparedness, especially families, to participate.
So, starting last year (2022), to address this challenge, we set aside the more difficult aspects and planned the “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair,” where people can engage with disaster preparedness while having fun. We are working to broaden the reach of disaster-prevention awareness.
What would you like participants to take away from the event?
Takenami
There is a basic principle for disaster-prevention activities known as “self-help, mutual help, and public help.” What we especially want everyone who visits the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair to take away is the importance of “self-help”.
When a disaster occurs, it would be ideal if Kurashiki City could go and help every resident individually, but in reality, that is impossible.
We hope each person will consider what they can do to prepare for a disaster and what might happen to them, their family, and their loved ones if one occurs—not by pushing themselves beyond their limits, but in a way that suits their own level.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Takenami
This year the event is being held at Mizushima Central Park. Compared with last year (2022), we are preparing not only for a larger event, but also for 200% more fun and surprises (by Kurashiki City’s estimate).
As a reason to come to the event, we hope you’ll get a sense from Kurashiki City’s website, pamphlets, and social media that it might be “fun,” “delicious,” or “a good deal!”
And at the venue, we hope those feelings will lead to “I see!”, “I didn’t know you could do that!”, “I never knew that!” and, above all, “I’ll give it a try myself.”
This event is open to everyone, from young children to older adults, so please come to Mizushima Central Park on Thursday, November 23 (national holiday).
We look forward to seeing you!
From the Writer
Kurashiki City was affected by the Heavy Rain Event of July 2018 (Western Japan Heavy Rains).
To be honest, it was the first time I truly realized that “disasters can happen close to home.” Since then, I have bought emergency supplies and checked the locations of evacuation shelters, but it is also true that my awareness has gradually faded.
Why not visit the “Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair” as an opportunity to think once again about disaster preparedness?
Articles about the Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair
FY2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair Information
| Name | FY2023 Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair |
|---|---|
| Date | November 23, 2023 (Thursday, national holiday) 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Mizushima Central Park |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki Disaster Prevention Fair |
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