Toyokumo and the University of Tokyo Collaborate to Enhance Disaster Prevention and Reduction Technologies

The Pursuit of a Safer Society: Toyokumo and the University of Tokyo's Collaborative Research in Disaster Prevention

In a groundbreaking step towards improving disaster resilience, Toyokumo Co., Ltd., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is joining forces with the University of Tokyo to enhance disaster prevention and reduction initiatives. This partnership aims to leverage academic and corporate expertise to forge effective disaster management strategies that could transform Japan’s approach to natural calamities.

The Motivation Behind Toyokumo’s Research

Japan, unfortunately, is no stranger to natural disasters. The frequent occurrence of such events not only jeopardizes lives but also undermines national infrastructure and corporate credibility, leading to what is known as "disaster discount" in international evaluations. Despite Japan’s advanced disaster prevention technologies and the increasing awareness around business continuity plans (BCPs), the need for effective solutions remains critical. Toyokumo has actively participated in nationwide drills utilizing its Safety Confirmation Service 2 since 2019, with a record participation of 1,921 companies and over 702,000 users in 2024. This commitment showcases Toyokumo's dedication to enhancing the collective BCP mindset across various industries.

The decision to engage in the RC-77 Special Research Project with the University of Tokyo stems from Toyokumo's ambition to contribute to the creation of impactful disaster prevention business models and improve Japan's disaster management capabilities. Toyokumo's holistic goal is to shift the narrative of disaster response, moving away from a "disaster discount" scenario and towards a society that prioritizes safety and security for all its citizens.

Overview of the Research Initiative

The RC-77 Special Research Project, led by Professor Kohji Meguro from the University of Tokyo, seeks to foster a collaborative research environment between academia and the corporate sector on specific disaster-related themes. Participants from various sectors, including businesses, organizations, and individuals, are encouraged to join and contribute to the research activities.

The research initiative encompasses a variety of activities, including:

- Technical and market trend investigations
- Exchange of the latest research and technological advancements
- Exploration and identification of research and development challenges
- Joint research proposals through collaborative surveys

These discussions and findings may eventually evolve into formal collaborative research contracts, notably enhancing the synergy between university scholars and industry leaders.

Key Focus Areas of the Research Project

The RC-77 research emphasizes a comprehensive approach to disaster management, particularly in light of Japan's evolving fiscal circumstances and demographic challenges like aging and population decline. Addressing monumental disasters now requires a "total war" mentality in a progressively resource-constrained environment. As such, the balancing act between self-help, mutual assistance, and public assistance will emerge as a focal point.

The philosophy is captured in three core keywords: moving from "cost" to "value," as well as adopting a "phase-free" perspective on disaster management. Traditional disaster measures have been criticized for their lack of continuity and uncertain effectiveness, hence the shift towards a value-based, integrated approach that creates ongoing benefits for organizations and communities, irrespective of disaster occurrences.

The RC-77 initiative aims to encourage the effective fusion and utilization of knowledge and resources from both private and public sectors, ultimately aiming to minimize damages during disasters while integrating these incidents into broader challenges for recovery improvement.

What is the Safety Confirmation Service 2?

The Safety Confirmation Service 2 is a corporate safety check system utilized by over 4,000 companies as of October 2024. This service not only provides essential safety confirmations post-disaster but also offers accompanying measures for information dissemination and decision-making through features like bulletin boards and messaging tools.

For more details, the product is accessible via:

- Service Homepage: Safety Confirmation Service 2
- Case Studies: Anpikakunin Case Studies
- Contact Information: Contact Anpikakunin

Comments from Toyokumo’s Representative

Yuji Yamamoto, Toyokumo's President, expressed his deep concern over the escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters that pose significant threats to Japanese society. He underscored a sense of urgency and commitment towards tackling these pressing issues. By combining Toyokumo’s cloud service expertise with the University of Tokyo's groundbreaking insights, the goal is to craft highly effective disaster solutions and establish a sustainable disaster business model.

Yamamoto firmly believes that through this academic and corporate collaboration, not only will society be fortified against disasters, but it will also facilitate a return to reliable disaster responses, ensuring that all individuals can live in a society characterized by safety and reassurance.

About Toyokumo Co., Ltd.

Established in August 2010, Toyokumo has emerged as a leading SaaS provider offering user-friendly cloud services, accumulating over 20,000 contracts by May 2025. The organization focuses on innovative service perspectives, simplicity, and accessibility for IT novices, paving the way towards a digitized corporate landscape in Japan.

- Official Website: Toyokumo Website
- Stock Code: 4058 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.

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