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LIFULL ArchiTech and Yaita City Collaborate for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness

In a significant move towards improving local disaster resilience, LIFULL ArchiTech, a subsidiary of LIFULL dedicated to tackling social issues, has officially entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Yaita City, Tochigi Prefecture, as of January 23, 2026. This partnership focuses on leveraging innovative instant houses and their associated technologies to strengthen the community's disaster preparedness and education while simultaneously promoting regional revitalization and community development.

Background: Enhancing Regional Disaster Resilience

In recent years, the prevalence of large-scale disasters has highlighted critical issues such as the need for adequate living environments in evacuation shelters and the severe shortages of support facilities experienced by many municipalities. For Yaita City, the pressing challenge has been establishing the quickest possible housing conditions to safeguard the health and dignity of its citizens during disasters.

However, disaster readiness is not only a matter of immediate emergency response but also involves integrating preparedness into daily life. The instant house model—capable of being set up within just a few hours—provides a comfortable living space even in the aftermath of disasters. By allowing citizens to use instant houses for regular activities and disaster training, awareness and readiness can be significantly enhanced. In emergencies, these structures can be seamlessly repurposed for evacuation needs, ensuring a hygienic and supportive environment for evacuees, thereby alleviating their physical burden and minimizing disaster impacts.

The Framework of the Agreement: Multifaceted Local Support through Instant Houses

The agreement encompasses several key initiatives:
1. Conducting disaster drills and educational activities using instant houses.
2. Utilizing instant houses as a springboard for regional revitalization.
3. Creating networks of relationships within the community through the use of instant houses.
4. Repurposing vacant homes and leveraging residential technologies derived from the instant house concept.

Instant houses not only create "freely comfortable spaces" but also serve as a new viable option to meet diverse needs following a disaster, ensuring the health and dignity of evacuees. Furthermore, their unique design makes them suitable as community hubs for gatherings and events in daily life.

In this context, LIFULL ArchiTech is also dedicated to researching and developing techniques for the revitalization of older residential units, contributing to broader community support strategies under the agreement. The company aims to enhance local disaster preparedness, address housing challenges like vacant properties, and create a more interconnected community.

CEO Insights: Tsukasa Yamanaka on Collaboration

According to Tsukasa Yamanaka, COO of LIFULL ArchiTech, Yaita City has persistently laid the groundwork for disaster preparedness through the revision of regional disaster plans and the enhancement of procurement systems for relief materials. He noted a strong commitment to ensuring that city residents have the necessary support during emergencies.

He elaborated that instant houses can serve multiple purposes: not only as emergency shelters during disasters but also as venues for preventive education, skill-building, and community gatherings. Such spaces foster meaningful interactions and, over time, cultivate a culture of preparedness rooted in the community. Together with Yaita City, LIFULL ArchiTech envisions a disaster management approach that prioritizes human connections and enhances the quality of life for residents.

About Instant Houses

For more information, visit: Instant Houses

The instant house concept originated from research by Professor Keisuke Kitagawa of Nagoya Institute of Technology, which became prominent following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. These structures are classified as non-buildings since they do not permanently affix to land. Made using inflatable air sheets and insulated with hard polyurethane foam, they can be assembled within hours and exhibit excellent thermal insulation, durability, seismic, and wind resistance. This versatility makes them suitable for various needs, including workspaces, medical shelters, community rest areas, and more.

About LIFULL ArchiTech

Learn more at: LIFULL ArchiTech

LIFULL ArchiTech develops solutions to address issues related to the increasing need for accommodation due to inbound tourism, the utilization of vacant properties, and housing availability during disasters. The name