Partnership Overview
Digital Entertainment Asset (DEA), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and LobbyAI, a policy digital transformation startup also based in Minato, have joined forces to tackle persistent challenges in citizen engagement for disaster prevention. This collaboration is officially launched in conjunction with the highly anticipated nationwide disaster prevention event, the PicTrée Disaster Prevention Championship 2026, which will run from August to November 2026. The goal is to integrate citizen-driven disaster prevention solutions into ongoing municipal policies and budget cycles, particularly as Japan prepares for the establishment of the new Disaster Prevention Agency in November 2026.
The Challenge
Despite a strong awareness of disaster risks in Japan, the active participation of citizens in disaster prevention activities remains alarmingly low. A survey conducted by the national cooperative organization, Kokumin Kyosai Coop, revealed that only 4.4% of respondents indicated they participate in local disaster drills nearly every time they're held, while 64.5% have never taken part. This indicates a significant gap in actual community engagement in disaster preparedness.
The establishment of the Disaster Prevention Agency is expected to be a historical turning point in reshaping municipal disaster planning and budget practices. It allows for potential integration of innovative corporate solutions into sustainable, long-term municipal policies which can accelerate the resolution of social issues related to disaster preparedness.
The PicTrée Disaster Prevention Championship 2026
The PicTrée Disaster Prevention Championship will occur over four months across all 47 prefectures and approximately 1,700 municipalities in Japan. Utilizing the mobile application