Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan faces a recurring challenge: earthquakes. Over the years, this reality has fueled the development of innovative response technologies.
Since 1998, Japan has weathered numerous seismic events, yet none rivaled the impact of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which inflicted nearly $1 trillion in damages. This sobering wake-up call spurred Japan to harness its technological prowess for enhanced resilience. As Japan progresses technologically, key players unite to bolster the nation's defenses against seismic hazards. Within this dynamic environment, advanced technologies hold the promise of revolutionizing disaster response, encompassing both preemptive detection and post-disaster recovery solutions. While detection-based technologies anticipate threats, post-disaster recovery solutions aim to minimize damages. Additionally, Japan extends its expertise in disaster relief efforts abroad, notably in Mexico, Nepal, and Malaysia.
Source: 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
This article will explore the contributions of universities, large companies, and start-ups in Japan's disaster response efforts.
Organizations
Organizations provide vital aid and community support in Japan's earthquake response, while universities contribute through research and technology for long-term resilience and innovation:
JVOAD - The Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is a national body that is composed of government, NGOs, and corporate players aimed at coming together to effectively respond to disaster situations in Japan.
Association for Aid and Relief Japan - This association provides emergency support after disaster through the delivery of food, water, clothing, and tents. They also offer recovery services and reconstruction assistance to victims of disasters through education, sanitation, and support for disabled persons.
Source: Association For Aid and Relief Japan
Large Companies
Large companies provide essential aid and support, while also leveraging their resources and expertise to drive innovation and resilience efforts for the long term:
Telenet - This company has developed Hazard Talk, a special application for mobile devices which allows for enhanced communication during a natural disaster. Instead of using traditional satellite communication methods, their technology allows them to use a special data band which is less congested and more accessible .
Aquam - Aquam is a company that has developed technology to develop water from air. Their company focuses on solutions for both large scale infrastructures and home use, allowing for easier access to water in disaster situations.
Source: Telenet’s Hazard Talk
Start-Ups
The following start-ups innovate aid and resilience, offering agile solutions for community support:
Spectee: Spectee is a start-up which has developed an AI software for collecting, visualizing, and predicting crisis information. The start-up has recently begun testing in the Philippines as well through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, a government initiative aimed at enhancing the spread of technology across borders.
Laspy - Through a service named Anshin Stock, Laspy provides solutions to access safe food in post-disaster situations. Anshin Stock allows users to locate food stockpiles and reliably access their expiry date.
Wota Corp - Wota has developed Wota Box, which is a device that is able to make 98% of wastewater reusable. The device itself is highly portable, meaning that it can be easily transported to post-disaster sites and allow users to recycle water.
Source: Wota Corp’s Wota Box
Japan's earthquake disaster response exemplifies the importance of collaborative innovation in building resilient societies. Through the concerted efforts of universities, NGOs, large companies, and start-ups, Japan continues to develop cutting-edge solutions to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and safeguard communities. As technological advancements progress, these collaborative endeavors underscore Japan's commitment to fostering resilience and ensuring a safer future in the face of seismic challenges.
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Author:
Asha Mistry, Leonardo D’Amato
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