#Japan #Tokyo #Mobimaru #Synchro Food #Sharing City

Mobimaru's Remarkable Achievement in Disaster Preparedness

In a remarkable recognition of innovation in disaster response, Mobimaru, operated by Synchro Food, was awarded the Grand Prize in the corporate category at the 2nd National Sharing City Awards. This event, hosted by the Sharing Economy Association, highlights exemplary initiatives in public-private partnerships aimed at addressing local issues.

Aim of the Initiative

The award-winning initiative focused on the construction of a disaster preparedness scheme utilizing food trucks in collaboration with Enjin (a general incorporated association dedicated to community revitalization). The project aimed to tackle the myriad of challenges that arise during significant disasters such as earthquakes. The team effectively solved critical issues to ensure a swift response in times of crisis.

Key Challenges Addressed

Historically, during significant disasters, authorities faced three critical challenges:
1. Coordination Issues: A lack of connectivity between evacuation centers and food truck dispatch points led to chaos, as multiple trucks arrived from different locations without clear direction.
2. Safety and Compliance for Truck Operators: There was insufficient oversight of safety measures and operational conditions for the food truck vendors.
3. Communication Gaps: Difficulties in communication between the municipal governments and food truck operators hindered the timely exchange of essential information about the evolving situation on the ground.

A Collective Response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, Mobimaru provided robust support by dispatching food trucks in partnership with Osaka Prefecture. Enjin acted as the dispatch coordinator, while Mobimaru ensured that food truck operators were equipped with disaster insurance and operational guidance. This delineation of roles marked a structured approach to addressing the identified challenges. The successful scheme was later expanded to assist various municipalities, including Wajima, Shika, Nanao, and Suzu City.

Evaluation and Recognition

The National Sharing City Awards Evaluation Committee praised the initiative for its speed and versatility in disaster response, emphasizing the need for systemic solutions that can adapt quickly during crises. They recognized the introduction of mobile food trucks as a vital innovation in responding to disasters compared to past approaches during events like the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Awards Commentary

Judges highlighted that the project represents an essential innovation in disaster preparedness. They expressed support for extending this model nationally, reinforcing that training exercises in other areas can serve as effective preparation for local disasters. The ability to integrate mobility with food truck operations through systematic coordination was lauded as a straightforward yet highly potential venture.

Leaders' Views on the Award

Kenichi Ogata, head of Mobility Services at Synchro Food, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. He noted that the initiative embodies their vision of merging mobile sales with community revitalization. Ogata emphasized the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders and affirmed their commitment to support diverse initiatives enhancing community sustainability.

Similarly, Yoshihiko Hashiyama, the representative director of Enjin, articulated his appreciation for the award, acknowledging the group's efforts and their engagement in education and disaster preparedness as part of bridging community connections. He vows to pursue sustainable regional development through various partnerships moving forward.

About the National Sharing City Award

The National Sharing City Award recognizes outstanding initiatives in solving local challenges and promoting public-private partnerships. It underscores collaborative efforts to foster sustainable community governance.

For more details about the award, you can visit the National Sharing City Award website at here.

About Enjin

Enjin is dedicated to promoting sustainable urban development by focusing on community education and disaster preparedness. Their projects aim to enhance the resilience of local communities through engagement and shared learning opportunities.

About Mobimaru

Mobimaru operates food trucks at various locations, catering to the diverse needs of residential and commercial areas. They actively contribute to revitalizing neighborhoods through this flexible business model. Check their operations at Mobimaru.

About Synchro Food

Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Synchro Food engages in multiple initiatives catering to the food industry, providing support services for restaurant management and expanding into diverse areas of service. For further information, visit here.