#Japan #Osaka #JA Kyosai #Yuchami #Bousai Kyuubun

JA Kyosai’s 'Bousai Kyuubun' Publication Launch Event

On July 29, 2023, JA Kyosai (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) hosted a significant event announcing the launch of its new disaster preparedness initiative titled 'Bousai Kyuubun.' This publication compiles disaster records across Japan's 47 prefectures, based on articles from approximately 150 years of newspaper archives. Notable guests, including popular talent Sayuri Matsumura and Yuchami, joined for a discussion on individual disaster awareness and family preparedness plans for the summer.

Event Highlights

The event commenced with Takashi Goto, head of the Public Relations Planning Division of JA Kyosai, addressing the audience. Goto emphasized the importance of disaster readiness, not only during emergencies but also through continuous engagement and education. He mentioned the implementation of a 'Digital Disaster Training' program from the previous year which allows users to simulate recovery from disasters through an app. This year's initiative draws attention back to reviewing past disasters and encourages conversations about safety among family members. He noted that a survey conducted by JA Kyosai revealed a surprising statistic: only about 20% of respondents felt they had enough opportunities to discuss disaster preparedness with loved ones.

Following Goto's insightful remarks, Matsumura and Yuchami took the stage to share their thoughts on disaster preparedness and their personal safety measures. They opened 'Bousai Kyuubun' to explore historical disasters, noting significant events in their hometown of Osaka. Matsumura expressed her surprise about the historical damage caused by the fall of the five-story pagoda at Shitennoji Temple, while Yuchami highlighted the importance of understanding past disasters to enhance family discussions around safety.

The duo also engaged with the new app feature 'Bousai Joushiki Update,' which provides essential disaster knowledge in a fun, quiz format. Yuchami excitedly pointed out, "Learning disaster preparedness skills on a smartphone makes it accessible for everyone today. I hope others will try it too!"

Closing Thoughts and Audience Interaction

As the event wrapped up, Matsumura shared her realization of how easy it can be to talk about disaster preparedness with close ones. She stressed the importance of these discussions in protecting loved ones and emphasized that the best time to prepare is now. Yuchami echoed this sentiment, highlighting that protecting oneself is the first step to safeguarding others. The event culminated with the hosts encouraging attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about preparedness during their summer family gatherings.

Q&A Session

During the Q&A, Matsumura reflected on her personal journey with disaster preparedness, acknowledging the need for regular updates to one’s knowledge. Yuchami shared her impressions of the historical insights gleaned from the 'Bousai Kyuubun,' noting how it could serve as a great conversation starter with family.

Both guests reassured the audience that preparedness can commence with small, manageable steps, and they urged younger generations not to perceive disaster preparedness as daunting or irrelevant.

Ultimately, the feedback both guests received underlined the significance of community and family discussions surrounding disaster awareness, especially during peak travel and social seasons. They advocated for utilizing local hazard maps and remaining vigilant as families plan summer activities.

Conclusion

JA Kyosai's event successfully spread awareness and provided practical avenues for families to discuss disaster preparedness together. This initiative encourages ongoing education on safety measures, making personal safety a priority before the next unexpected event occurs.