#Japan #Ichikawa #Virtual Training #Sustainablanch #Haseko Corporation

Disaster Preparedness Fair at Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku

On August 23, 2025, the Haseko Corporation organized a disaster preparedness fair at their rental property, Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku, located in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. The event aimed at enhancing awareness of disaster management among residents and local community members facilitated a remarkable attendance of approximately 307 participants. The highlight of the fair was the innovative virtual disaster training experience which takes place in a metaverse setting. This unique training experience, which is currently patent pending, allowed participants to learn valuable skills in a 3D environment.

The fair not only featured virtual evacuation drills but also showcased safety technologies such as a pure hydrogen fuel cell that can be employed during power outages and a backflow prevention system for drainage pipes. Collaborating with the Ichikawa Fire Department, practical fire extinguishing training took place at a neighboring temple, Tokuganjiji, giving attendees the chance to experience fire and earthquake simulations first-hand.

Event Overview

• - Date and Time: August 23, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• - Location: Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku and Tokuganjiji, Ichikawa City, Chiba
• - Activities:

- Presentation of Haseko Group's disaster prevention technology
- Fire drills in collaboration with Ichikawa City Fire Department
- Experience of virtual evacuation drills
- Explanation of the backflow prevention system
- Introduction of pure hydrogen fuel cell technology for power supply during outages
- Earthquake simulation and fire smoke experience using a shaking vehicle

Participant Feedback

Many participants expressed their appreciation of the training, noting:

• - “The virtual experience helped me learn about the necessary damage limitations that need to be made for balcony partitions and where the evacuation hatches are located.”
• - “Experiencing the seismic activity of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake helped me understand the gravity of preparedness.”
• - “I was impressed by the disaster prevention techniques introduced by the Haseko Group and hope to see similar events in the future.”

Innovating Virtual Disaster Training

In light of low participation rates in traditional disaster drills, Haseko has developed a fully digital “Virtual Disaster Training” tool. This allows residents to engage in training at their convenience, enhancing participation especially among those who previously found it hard to attend such events. This comprehensive approach to individual unit training facilitates the dissemination of essential evacuation procedures, effectively helping to reduce disaster risks within the condominium community.

During the event, participants experienced two scenarios utilizing the metaverse: 1) extinguishing a fire during a fire outbreak and 2) safely escaping a building during an earthquake. With a time constraint simulating a real disaster, participants actively engaged in finding fire extinguishers and navigating their escape from balconies while searching for evacuation hatches.

Backflow Prevention System Demonstration

One of the featured technologies was the backflow prevention system, designed to mitigate flood risks during heavy downpours. This cutting-edge system can prevent drainage from reversing into the building, notifying residents through the intercom and Haseko's exclusive “Mairimu App” when in action.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Supply

Haseko’s pure hydrogen fuel cell technology can generate 2.5kW of power with zero carbon emissions, proving crucial during outages. During the fair, participants enjoyed cool air from a portable air conditioning unit powered by the fuel cell and experienced charging their smartphones, highlighting the system's significance during emergencies.

Real-Life Firefighter Training

Partnering with the Ichikawa City Fire Department, fire safety training was conducted at Tokuganjiji’s grounds. Participants had the opportunity to use fire extinguishers and learn methods to escape from areas filled with smoke, echoing lessons from the past, such as the 1995 Hanshin earthquake disaster. Children also enjoyed the event, donning child-sized firefighting uniforms and posing with fire trucks for memorable photographs.

About Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku

Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku is a pioneering rental property, fully renovated to achieve zero emissions during operational use. The property also incorporates 13 unique experimental residential spaces known as “RESIDENCE LABO,” each serving different research initiatives into sustainable living practices. With a commitment to utilize emerging technologies and data for optimizing living conditions, Haseko continues to lead in creating innovative and eco-friendly residential environments that prioritize resident safety.

For more information on Sustainablanch Hon-gyotoku, visit the Haseko website.