Learning Disaster Preparedness with Adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi

An Educational Adventure in Disaster Preparedness

On August 9, 2025, a special disaster preparedness session was held at Yokohama Bayside Marina, featuring the renowned marine adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi. Organized by Onisi Foods, this event aimed to teach the importance of preparedness to elementary school students in grades 4 to 6 through hands-on activities related to food storage and navigation skills.

Experiencing the Importance of Long-term Food Storage

During the event, participating children had the opportunity to cook Alpha Rice, specifically seaweed rice, each child preparing their own pack. The CEO of Onisi Foods, Shin' suke Ichikawa, assisted the children by pouring hot water over the rice and engaging them with stories shared by Shiraishi, who has a long-standing love for Alpha Rice. As they waited the 15 minutes for their meal to cook, the children's interest grew significantly.

When it was time for tasting, one elementary school participant raised their hand and asked, “Why is it so delicious?” This led to detailed explanations of Onisi Foods’ dedication to product development and quality. The hope was that through this hands-on experience, the children would become familiar with Alpha Rice, recognizing it not only as a product they had tasted but also as a reliable food option in times of disaster. This interaction served as a crucial step towards encouraging familiarity with long-term food storage.

Lessons from the Demanding Vendee Globe Race

Shiraishi's firsthand experiences competing in the Vendee Globe—a notoriously challenging yacht race—left a significant impact on the children. He explained how crucial it is to remain alert, often having to forgo sleep and manage difficult situations alone, such as replacing sails in rough conditions. The children were astonished to learn about the incredible skill, physical stamina, and mental fortitude required to sail. Shiraishi shared that amid these challenges, one of his greatest joys was meal preparation. He meticulously planned his meals in advance, emphasizing that food is not merely energy but also a source of pleasure during long voyages. This perspective shifted children’s understanding of preparedness, illustrating that preparation can take many forms, including anticipating the joys of meals during tough times.

A Focus on Environmental Responsibility and Practical Preparedness

Shiraishi also highlighted the strict waste management rules competitors must adhere to during the race to prevent ocean pollution. The children learned the importance of efficiently managing waste and caring for the environment. They handled Alpha Rice packaging firsthand and were informed that it contains recycled plastics and eco-friendly materials, which are designed to minimize waste and odor. This practical lesson extended to disaster preparedness scenarios, illustrating how limited space during emergencies necessitates effective waste management and environmental conscience.

Fostering Ongoing Awareness in Daily Life

Shiraishi shared a variety of creative recipes utilizing Alpha Rice such as sardine rice bowls topped with soy sauce and mayonnaise or risotto-style dishes seasoned with Parmesan cheese. These stories captivated the children, encouraging them to integrate long-term food storage into their diets regularly. The practice of rolling stocks—consuming what they have stored and replenishing it—became a fun activity, emphasizing the importance of being prepared continuously.

At the event's conclusion, Shiraishi imparted a heartfelt message to the youngsters: “Make many friends and help one another in times of need. When you do so, your friends will be there for you when you need them.” This lesson resonates deeply within the context of disaster preparedness, reminding children that collaboratively facing challenges with family, friends, and community is essential.

Future Developments

The aim is that children who had hands-on experience with cooking Alpha Rice—the idea of “being able to make it themselves” and knowing they can safely eat it—gives them a practical approach to disaster preparedness. Should a disaster occur, their familiarity with the food and preparation will alleviate panic and instill confidence.

Onisi Foods is committed to promoting similar hands-on disaster preparedness workshops, ensuring that more individuals are aware of the convenience and deliciousness of Alpha Rice, and encouraging many to be better prepared for emergencies.

Event Summary

- Event Name: Onisi Foods Disaster Preparedness Special Session with Adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi
- Date and Time: August 9, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Location: Yokohama Bayside Marina
- Participants: 11 elementary students (Grades 4-6)
- Content: Kojiro Shiraishi's marine adventure stories, yacht tour used in the Vendee Globe, cooking and tasting Alpha Rice, disaster preparedness workshop.

Onisi Foods

- Business Focus: Manufacturing and selling long-term food storage products.
- CEO: Shin' suke Ichikawa
- Headquarters: 3F, Ichigo Seisaku Building, 3-4-2 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108–0073, Japan
- Website: Onisi Foods