Japan's First Blockchain and Disaster Prevention Pilot Program Launched in Iizuka City

In a significant advancement towards disaster preparedness, a consortium of four companies, spearheaded by Shibuya Web3 University, has launched Japan's inaugural pilot program that integrates blockchain technology with disaster prevention initiatives in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This innovative project aims to foster a culture of disaster awareness while digitizing evacuation processes, embodying the phrase "ensuring no one is left behind."

The Collaborative Effort

Shibuya Web3 University, alongside BLOCKSMITH&Co., Turing Japan, and Kangaerubousai, has come together to realize this ambitious project as part of the "Reiwa 7 Year Iizuka Advanced Information Technology Verification Project". Each organization brings unique expertise to the table, blending cutting-edge digital solutions with important local knowledge and practices.

Two Pillars of the Pilot Program

The pilot is founded on two main components:

1. QAQA-BO: Everyday Disaster Awareness Through Fun Quizzes

Utilizing the quiz platform developed by BLOCKSMITH&Co., called QAQA, this initiative introduces a specialized version known as QAQA-BO tailored for disaster education. The app encourages community engagement through interactive quizzes that reflect local disaster risks, drawing on daily participation. Users are incentivized with a continuous login bonus system and earn certification documents to acknowledge their learning achievements. Furthermore, the platform is designed to accommodate intergenerational participation, making it inclusive for families, allowing grandparents, parents, and children to learn together.

2. Turing Certs: Innovative Evacuation Center Verification System

Turing Japan's contribution includes the implementation of the Turing Certs platform—an internationally recognized digital certificate system that guarantees data integrity and has been utilized by over 550 institutions globally, including the WHO and various government agencies. This system offers a futuristic solution for evacuation centers by allowing residents to secure digital identities through Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs). By simply scanning a QR code, officials can quickly verify individual identities while safeguarding public privacy and ensuring compliance with the highest data protection standards.

Bridging Analog and Digital Approaches to Disaster Prevention

A key insight gleaned from the project is that simply relying on digital tools is not enough for effective disaster management. The grassroots approach championed by Kangaerubousai fosters community-based disaster preparedness and reinforces the efficacy of digital applications. This organization leverages its past experiences, including training sessions for local seniors on smartphone use, joint disaster training drills with residents, and events designed to encourage family learning regarding disaster preparedness. Utilizing both paper materials for those less tech-savvy alongside the digital initiative ensures inclusivity while tackling the digital divide.

Why Iizuka? Significance of the Local Context

Iizuka City is poised to be a pioneering model for disaster DX (digital transformation) following its declaration in November 2021 as Japan's first city to advocate for blockchain technology. The successful implementation of this pilot is set to position Iizuka as a leader in innovative disaster management strategies, showcasing how local initiatives can lead to significant national and global advancements.

The Future of the Program

As this noteworthy initiative seeks to bolster communal resilience against disasters through various educational and technological methods, the pilot project anticipates an effective rollout schedule stretching from 2025 to 2026. Expected outcomes include enhancing disaster awareness among citizens, expediting evacuation center check-in processes, and ultimately developing a comprehensive disaster prevention model that could be adopted by municipalities across Japan and beyond.

In Conclusion

This pilot program stands as a testament to the synergy that can be created when technology intersects with community-focused initiatives. By embracing both innovation and locality, the project not only aims to prepare Iizuka for future disasters but also aspires to serve as a template for other regions contemplating similar transformations in their disaster management frameworks.