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NOMA's New Initiative: Disaster Management Course for Local Council Members

The General Incorporated Association of Japan Management Association, also known as NOMA, is set to launch a course aimed at enhancing the disaster management skills of local council members. Scheduled for October 21, 2026, this one-day event will focus on the critical areas of disaster response and recovery strategies. Led by former deputy mayor Kumiko Ise, the course promises a comprehensive understanding of what local legislators need to know and what actions they should advocate during and after a disaster.

Background of the Course

In recent years, natural disasters in Japan have become more severe and complicated, leading to an urgent need for local governments to maintain preparedness and make quick decisions when faced with crises. Events like heavy rainfall in Chiba and Nagoya, or the Kumamoto earthquake, have highlighted the importance of effective policy-making in disaster scenarios. As such, local councils are now expected to scrutinize administrative responses and propose clear policy recommendations more than ever before.

This training session will delve into the decision-making processes within local governments, providing participants with practical knowledge about the policy issues arising at different stages, from crisis onset to recovery.

Course Highlights

Understanding Administrative Decision-Making in Disaster Management

The course will cover essential topics such as the responsibilities of local governments, regional disaster prevention plans, and business continuity planning (BCP). Participants will learn how administrative decisions are made in response to disasters and what factors officials consider throughout the duration of an emergency.

Clarifying the Role of Local Councils in Disaster Responses

Understanding the relationship between councils and disaster response headquarters, securing budgets, and disseminating information will add depth to the participants' knowledge. This aspect of the course will help delegates organize their verification and policy proposition tasks effectively.

Enhancing Inquiry Skills through Simulation

Workshops focused on real scenarios like heavy rainfall disasters, power outages, and managing stranded citizens will be an integral part of this course. Through simulations, participants will confront challenges and will categorize points of decision-making. The in-person format also allows for valuable exchange of ideas and questions, encouraging a robust understanding of the course content.

Instructor Profile

Kumiko Ise, the instructor for this course, brings over three decades of experience as a civil servant. She has held various positions within the Shibukawa City government and has extensive knowledge in fields such as public relations, finance, planning, urban policy, tourism, commercial promotion, and disaster prevention. As the first female deputy mayor of Shibukawa, she will ensure that participants benefit from her practical insights into both policy formulation and crisis management.

Program Outline (Excerpt)

1. Increasing Severity of Disasters and Local Government Crisis Management
2. Regional Disaster Prevention Plans and Business Continuity Plans (BCP)
3. Policy Decision-Making and the Role of Councils in Emergencies
4. Simulation Exercises for Heavy Rain Damage and Large-Scale Blackouts
5. Structuring Policy Propositions and Council Inquiries

Event Details

• - Course Title: Disaster Management Policy Issues and Local Government Crisis Management for Local Council Members
• - Date: October 21, 2026
• - Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• - Location: General Incorporated Association of Japan Management Association, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Fee: 36,300 yen for members, 39,600 yen for non-members (tax included)
• - Target Audience: Local council members from prefectural and municipal governments

Registration and More Information

To register for the course or to find more details, please visit NOMA's official website. Participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their seats.

NOMA's Commitment to Public Administration Solutions

NOMA has been active since its founding in February 1949, focusing on modernizing management practices and providing education and training to address administrative challenges effectively. Its ongoing efforts include conducting courses on public administration, training programs for local governments, and various projects across major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. The organization champions initiatives that foster public management reforms, streamlining operations, and enhancing workforce competencies, ultimately contributing to better governance and community resilience.