#Japan #Tokyo #KDDI #Google Pixel #Starlink Direct

KDDI and Google Pixel's New Initiative: Disaster Preparedness for Travelers

As travel surges during the year-end holiday season, KDDI Corporation is stepping up to ensure safety for everyone hitting the road. On December 25 and 26, 2025, they will launch a unique event titled the ‘Travel Disaster Preparedness Center’ at the event space in front of Sanagi Shinjuku in Tokyo. This initiative is in partnership with Google Pixel, aimed at providing essential disaster preparedness training specifically tailored for travelers.

The Importance of Disaster Awareness While Traveling

Recent research involving approximately 30,000 participants indicates that while about half of individuals are conscious of disaster preparedness in their everyday lives, this awareness drops significantly when it comes to travel. Alarmingly, only about 30% of surveyed individuals felt prepared for potential disasters while away from home.

To highlight the gap in preparedness, KDDI's initiative will provide an interactive platform for travelers. Visitors can explore how to prepare for emergencies through three key scenarios: pre-travel preparation, arrival at destination, and on-site experiences.
This interactive experience aims to equip travelers with crucial knowledge that could be life-saving during natural disasters.

Event Details

The ‘Travel Disaster Preparedness Center’ will provide various hands-on learning experiences.
1. Disaster Awareness Checklist: Experts have collaborated to create a checklist titled, ‘Travel Preparedness Collection.’ This resource will be presented during the event and utilized in educational campaigns via a dedicated website.
2. Travel Voting Map: Attendees can vote on their desired travel destinations using a large map of Japan, facilitating community engagement.
3. Demonstration of au Starlink Direct: Visitors will be able to experience first-hand how Google Pixel™ 10 can connect via satellite communication through KDDI’s au Starlink Direct, even in areas without cellular service.

Event Schedule

• - Dates: December 25-26, 2025
• - Times: Each day from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• - Location: Sanagi Shinjuku Event Space (3 Chome-35-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo)
• - Entry Fee: Free

Special Giveaway: Visitors will receive portable hand warmers at the event. There will also be a lottery where participants can win disaster prevention goods, including travel pouches, through a gacha machine.

Why Choose Google Pixel 10 and au Starlink Direct?

With the advanced features of Google Pixel 10 and the innovative au Starlink Direct service, travelers can stay connected and prepared in emergencies. This initiative is vital as Japan continues to face various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and torrential rain. On January 2024, the two-year anniversary of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake will serve as a reminder of the need for readiness.

KDDI’s au Starlink Direct enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites, ensuring communication capabilities even in remote locations. It is essential for users to understand these backup systems to alleviate concerns regarding connectivity in emergencies.

Additionally, in areas where cell signal may be weak, having a reliable communication plan backed by advanced smartphone technology offers significant peace of mind to travelers. The partnership with Google Pixel aims to ensure that individuals have reliable access to communication and information regardless of their location.

Insights from Research

The event emphasizes a crucial finding from a survey where over 40% of travelers who experienced disasters stated they faced difficulties using their smartphones due to either low battery or poor connectivity. Many reported their smartphones ran out of power, indicating a critical need for portable chargers and reliable communication plans.

As travelers prepare for end-of-year trips, KDDI and Google Pixel hope to enhance disaster preparedness awareness through the ‘Travel Disaster Preparedness Center’. Participants will leave with actionable knowledge about how to stay safe and connected, no matter where their journeys take them.

More information about the event and disaster preparedness practices can be found on the dedicated website, launching on December 24, 2025, at https://www.au.com/pr/tabisakibosai/.