#Japan #Tokyo #Biru Yure Call #RC Solution #Kogakuin University

Unveiling 'Biru Yure Call': A Next-Gen Earthquake Response Tool

In a collaborative effort, RC Solution Co., Ltd. and Kogakuin University have proudly launched a ground-breaking mobile application named 'Biru Yure Call' on June 2, 2025. This innovative tool revolutionizes how we respond to seismic activities, particularly long-period seismic waves that can critically impact high-rise buildings. The app provides timely assessments of the vibrations and potential damage within structures, aiding both users and building managers in making swift decisions during emergency situations.

The development of 'Biru Yure Call' involved the expertise of Professors Yoshinobu Kida and Masahiro Murakami from Kogakuin University's Faculty of Architecture, who brought profound knowledge in earthquake engineering and urban disaster management to the project.

Understanding Long-Period Seismic Waves

Long-period seismic waves represent a pressing societal challenge. These types of waves, characterized by their slow and extensive oscillations during significant earthquakes, can cause severe damage to high-rise buildings. Incidents such as furniture toppling inside buildings or elevators malfunctioning pose serious threats to human safety. As the number of high-rise structures has risen in urban areas, the population vulnerable to these seismic effects has also increased. Recognizing this issue, the Japan Meteorological Agency has incorporated a classification for long-period seismic waves into its earthquake alert system, effective from February 2023, enhancing the criteria for issuing warnings.

Features of 'Biru Yure Call'

The 'Biru Yure Call' app operates by utilizing earthquake source data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency following a seismic event. It evaluates building vibrations based on the specifics of an earthquake—such as its magnitude and depth—and promptly informs users about the anticipated movements of the building they occupy.

This application not only estimates the overall swaying of a building but also delivers insights into the vibrations on specific floors and potential hazards within individual rooms. Particularly during distant earthquakes, where the epicenter may be several tens of kilometers away, users can receive notifications seconds before significant swaying occurs, empowering them to implement immediate action. It’s important to note that the information delivered is based on estimations and may vary from actual conditions, so users are advised to utilize the app responsibly with this understanding in mind.

Future Developments and Collaborative Research

The app's inception arises from a joint research initiative involving the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Kogakuin University, and RC Solution. The goal of this partnership is to explore the application and benefits of long-period seismic wave forecasting. As 'Biru Yure Call' enters a trial phase, feedback from the public will be essential for refining its precision and enhancing its utility in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, the development journey of 'Biru Yure Call' saw generous contributions from the Real-Time Earthquake Information System Forum and Science Solutions Co., Ltd., for which we express our heartfelt gratitude.

About the Developers

RC Solution Co., Ltd. was established in August 2002. Since then, it has made significant strides in the field of disaster response technology, launching applications such as 'Yurekuru Call' in November 2010 and 'Safety Tips' for international travelers in October 2014. They began offering a multilingual disaster information service, 'Disaster Prevention Cloud', in 2018, all aimed at boosting societal safety through technology.

Kogakuin University has a rich history dating back to its founding as the Technical School in 1887. Over the past 130 years, it has maintained a pioneering spirit in engineering education, contributing to Japan's growth by producing numerous specialists in various fields. The university continues to nurture the next generation of professionals through extensive education and research across its 15 departments and 168 laboratories.

In conclusion, 'Biru Yure Call' represents a significant advancement in how we approach earthquake preparedness and response, and it aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance urban safety through cutting-edge technology.