Pioneering Disaster Prevention Initiative in Iizuka City Utilizing Blockchain Technology

In a remarkable move towards making disaster prevention more inclusive, Iizuka City, in collaboration with Shibuya Web3 University and its partners, has embarked on a groundbreaking project leveraging blockchain and decentralized identifiers (DID) along with verifiable credentials (VC). This initiative, being the first of its kind globally and at the municipal level, aims to ensure nobody is left behind during disasters, starting its experimental phase in December 2025.

Overview of the Project

A Vision for the Future

Iizuka City has earned a reputation for its innovative approach to technology, making it a fitting hub for this pioneering project. The development of the internet took three decades to transform into an essential societal infrastructure, with many initially doubting its viability. Today, using blockchain technology represents a natural evolution of the internet, enabling individuals to retain their personal information securely.

The project operates under the concept of “One VC, Two Values,” where participants will receive credentials learned through disaster preparedness education that will also serve as shelter authentication during emergencies. The aim is to connect everyday life with emergencies in a seamless manner.

Unique Experimental Patterns of the First Initiative

This project holds unique significance as it will examine three different patterns of DID/VC issuance and authentication in real-life disaster scenarios, a feat that has never been attempted until now. Each of these patterns has been meticulously designed to ensure robust testing and evaluation:

1. Event-based Issuance
- Target: Participants of the FBA2025 event (approximately 30 individuals)
- Technical Foundation: IOTA (public blockchain) / Turing Certs platform
- Demonstration Date: December 23, 2025, at the Iizuka City Hall during a shelter registration simulation

2. Continuous Learning Program
- Target: Participants of an 8-week, 56-question disaster prevention quiz program (approximately 30 individuals)
- Technical Foundation: IOTA (public blockchain) / Turing Certs platform
- Demonstration Date: March 20, 2026, during Iizuka City's 20th-anniversary celebration

3. Consortium Chain Model
- Target: Participants of the Iizuka City 20th-anniversary event (approximately 30 individuals)
- Technical Foundation: Toshiba (consortium chain) / Turing Certs platform
- Demonstration Date: March 20, 2026, during the same anniversary celebration

Developing Critical Thinking through Disaster Quiz Program

This project aims to cultivate critical thinking rather than rote memorization among participants. Each week, a quiz comprising seven questions will be delivered via LINE, designed to encourage participants to think about various scenarios related to disaster management. The quizzes are based on local concerns such as the risk of flooding from the Onogawa River and the lessons learned from past calamities. This educational material will remain available as a lasting asset for disaster preparedness in Iizuka City.

The Expertise Behind the Project

The project draws expertise from three key organizations:

- Shibuya Web3 University oversees project management and branding while facilitating the integration of complex technological elements into user-friendly formats.
- Kangaeru Bousai specializes in disaster management education and will supervise the quiz program, combining insights from seasoned disaster management professionals.
- Turing Japan brings its advanced blockchain certification technology to the table, ensuring the project's backbone is fortified with extensive experience surpassing 600,000 certificates issued worldwide.

Goals and Future Prospects

Through this experimental initiative, Iizuka City aims to identify strengths and challenges in the deployment of DID/VC technologies in disaster management. This involves monitoring the entire supply chain of the certification process and providing insights that could inform policy recommendations, regulatory reforms, and serve as a model for other municipalities across Japan and beyond.

Furthermore, the findings will be shared with relevant governmental bodies, and academic circles to bolster future infrastructures and policies that advocate for a digital society where no one is left behind. This undertaking exemplifies the community's commitment to build a resilience-oriented society and showcases how a collaborative effort across disciplines can pave the way for revolutionary advancements in disaster preparedness.

By not merely waiting for the future to unfold, Iizuka City is actively creating a paradigm that sets a new standard in disaster management.

For more information about the project and updates on the initiative, please refer to the following links: