#Japan #Toyohashi #Virtual Training #Sara Group #emCAMPUS

Innovative Virtual Disaster Drill in Toyohashi

On April 24, 2026, Sara Corporation will host a ground-breaking virtual disaster drill at the emCAMPUS complex in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, marking a significant advancement in disaster preparedness initiatives. This event is a collaboration among Sara Group, which operates the emCAMPUS STUDIO incubation facility, Sararakusai Real Estate Co., GeoCreates Co., and Nikken Sekkei Ltd. The initiative is conducted under the approval of the Toyohashi Fire Department, establishing it as the first of its kind in complex facilities within the Tokai area.

What is a Virtual Disaster Drill?

This pioneering drill will utilize a virtual reality (VR) training system co-developed by GeoCreates and Nikken Sekkei. Participants will engage in a simulated evacuation experience, allowing them to navigate various scenarios and emergencies in a safe and controlled environment. The drill aims to enhance community awareness about disaster preparedness and create new approaches to safety and peace of mind amid rising concerns regarding emergency procedures in complex public spaces.

Training Schedule Overview

• - Date: April 24, 2026
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• - Location: emCAMPUS EAST, 5th Floor, emCAMPUS STUDIO ROOM #01
• - Expected Participants: 60 people, including stakeholders and tenants

The drill will feature several key components:
1. Overview of the training (10 minutes)
2. Instructions on operations (PC, tablet usage) (10 minutes)
3. Main drill (30 minutes)
4. Feedback and Q&A session (10 minutes)

Addressing Local Disaster Preparedness

Sara Group has emphasized the importance of integrating various stakeholders to innovate and create value through its ongoing 6th Mid-Term Management Plan, which highlights cross-collaboration. Traditional disaster drills often encounter challenges such as limitations in participation, inconvenience for tenants, and lack of realistic scenarios. This virtual approach intends to cater to a wider audience, overcoming such limitations and enabling a more effective learning experience.

The Need for Innovation

As awareness of disaster preparedness in multi-use facilities grows, the implementation of VR-based training becomes ever more critical. Recent advancements illustrate a demand for training methods that are adaptable to the realities of busy environments. This virtual drill promises to not only serve the practical needs of tenants and stakeholders but also set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at optimizing community safety.

Technological Features of Virtual Training

The VR tool allows participants to experience various evacuation scenarios, ranging from earthquakes to fires, in an immersive way, gathering data on their actions throughout the drill. Monitoring participants' responses will help experts refine existing evacuation strategies and improve safety protocols by providing analytical feedback.

Building Local Innovations Together

GeoCreates, the technological driver of this initiative, is deeply rooted in the Toyohashi region, being founded by alumni of the Toyohashi University of Technology. The partnership between local startups and established businesses underscores the significance of collaboration in generating community-focused solutions.

Through the emCAMPUS STUDIO, Sara Group extends beyond just providing workspace to support startups like GeoCreates, ensuring comprehensive involvement in project planning and execution.

Looking Ahead

Following this pilot initiative, the knowledge and insights gained will foster the potential to expand virtual disaster drills throughout the Sara Group's facilities and other public spaces. Continuous collaboration with startups and advanced firms will drive innovation and address local challenges, establishing Toyohashi as a hub for pioneering examples in disaster preparedness.

Invitation to Media

The virtual disaster drill scheduled for April 24 at 10:00 AM is open for press coverage. Journalists will have the opportunity to witness training activities and capture participants' genuine reactions.

For media inquiries, please contact us at:

• - emCAMPUS STUDIO
• - Address: 2-81, Ekimae-dori, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, 5F, emCAMPUS EAST
• - Tel: 0532-57-5016
• - Email: [email protected]

This innovative initiative seeks to redefine safety protocols while promoting active engagement in community safety. Join us in this transformative journey towards a more secure future.