#Japan #Tokyo #Disaster Preparedness #RING BELL SONAE #gift catalog

Introduction

The need for effective disaster preparedness has never been more critical, especially in a country like Japan, which regularly experiences natural calamities. Recognizing this need, RING BELL Inc. has launched a thoughtfully curated disaster preparedness catalog called "RING BELL SONAE" on February 6, 2025. This article sheds light on the significance of this catalog and the collective voices of individuals who have engaged with it.

A Journey Through Adversities

Founded in the heart of Tokyo, RING BELL specializes in gift catalogs that mark life’s pivotal moments such as births, weddings, and other celebrations. However, the company faced significant trials during the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, when the logistics center in Yamagata City was severely impacted. Although Yamagata was spared from tsunami damage, the company found itself unable to dispatch products or catalogs due to the logistics disruption and a major server outage in Sendai, which was heavily affected.

In this challenging scenario, RING BELL managed to rally its employees, relocating operations temporarily to Tokyo in record time. Those from various regions came together for overnight packaging and shipping efforts, emphasizing that delivering items to customers on specified dates was paramount. Their determination was palpable when they successfully delivered wedding gift catalogs to a venue in Kagoshima—a moment of triumph and relief.

Addressing Municipalities' Issues

Building on their experience, RING BELL has also partnered with municipalities to deliver disaster product catalogs to residents. Their one-stop service streamlines product planning, catalog creation, and order management—originally designed for celebratory gifts, now repurposed for disaster preparedness. This adaptability is vital as it helps communities better equip themselves for emergencies.

The development team was adamant about curating practical, genuinely useful items that could make a difference in crises. For instance, Kana Takahashi, responsible for food products, recalls her own devastating experiences during the 2011 earthquake and aims to provide a more balanced selection of disaster food to ensure families are better prepared. This includes essentials like vegetables, meats, and long-lasting canned goods, reflecting a strong focus on nutrition during prolonged emergency situations.

Kumi Ito, in charge of miscellaneous items, reveals how the terrifying experience of the night the earthquake struck inspired her to select items that could help individuals in real need during disasters, such as mobile batteries, portable radios, and other critical supplies. This commitment to improving the quality and usability of disaster supplies aligns perfectly with the heightened societal awareness of preparedness.

A Catalyst for Action

The effects of the disaster catalog have been profound, as illustrated by the experience of Mr. Omata, a Tokyo resident who previously considered only storing bottled water sufficient for emergency preparedness. Receiving the catalog initiated discussions about essential supplies, leading them to choose a portable toilet—a necessity many overlook until faced with a crisis. The catalog helped transform their mindset from mere selection to proactive preparation, prompting them to assemble a comprehensive emergency kit that includes items like canned sustainments and emergency footwear.

A National Challenge

A government survey from 2022 revealed that 36.9% of households had never discussed disaster preparedness plans. Similar to Mr. Omata’s experience, many lack a framework for initiating these important conversations. RING BELL SONAE serves as a critical catalyst, enabling families to engage in productive discussions around disaster readiness, effectively bridging the preparedness gap.

Overview of RING BELL SONAE

The RING BELL SONAE catalog features about 130 essential supplies for disaster readiness—including food, portable toilets, and communication tools—significantly exceeding the typical offerings in similar catalogs. This unique depth ensures that recipients can choose items tailored to their actual needs, reinforcing the importance of personalized disaster readiness.

The catalog comes in three color-coded themes: Sunshine Red, Earth Green, and Sea Blue, intended to make the process of getting prepared engaging. Each selection is accompanied by expert notes on how to organize a home against disasters, enhancing its functionality as more than a gift but as an educational tool.

Conclusion

RING BELL’s disaster preparedness initiative encapsulates a powerful message: ‘Preparedness is paramount.’ By offering a structured approach to gather necessary supplies, it effectively transforms awareness into action. The RING BELL SONAE catalog not only enhances family and community resilience but fosters vital discussions about disaster preparedness—one catalog at a time.