Akabira City Launches Unique Disaster Preparedness Set
In a commendable initiative, Akabira City in Hokkaido has teamed up with local enterprises to produce a specialized disaster preparedness supply set, aptly named 'All Akabira' to be offered as a unique return gift for hometown tax contributions. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by Red Horse Corporation, based in Sumida, Tokyo, and aims to increase awareness and preparedness for emergencies within the community.
The specially curated disaster set includes essential items supplied by notable local businesses, specifically Ace Luggage Co. and Seino Shoji Co., which handle EBS products. The set features a dedicated box made from reinforced cardboard by Ace Luggage, accompanied by tissue boxes and toilet paper from EBS, and Red Horse's own 'alpharized rice' made from locally grown Yume Pirika rice from Akabira.
Three different sizes of the disaster preparedness set are available, with contributions officially starting from June 26 across 18 sites including Rakuten's Hometown Tax. This initiative encourages residents and supporters to prepare for potential emergencies while contributing to the local economy.
Fostering Community Relationships Through Preparedness
Red Horse Corporation has been supporting Akabira City’s hometown tax operations since FY 2015. Last year, the company developed 'alpharized rice' using Yume Pirika, which was subsequently recognized as a return gift in the hometown tax scheme and adopted for disaster relief supplies. Throughout nearly a decade of collaboration, strong relationships have been forged among local businesses. This set represents a culmination of these partnerships.
Ace Luggage, with its longstanding history in Akabira, has been a key player in producing durable cardboard products, contributing significantly during disasters like the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake through donations of cardboard beds and partitions. By leveraging existing designs and resizing them for this disaster set, Ace Luggage showcased its commitment to community welfare.
High-Quality Local Products for Peace of Mind
The selection includes tissue papers and toilet paper made from 100% virgin pulp, known for their softness and excellent quality, crucial for daily use and essential in emergency situations. These EBS products stand out in the market, with many donors expressing their preference, stating, 'This is the only option I can use.' The collection also features the pioneering 'alpharized rice', a lightweight, easy-to-cook option utilizing local Yume Pirika rice, aiming to not only provide nutritional support but also offer emotional comfort during crises.
All packaged in a carefully designed box featuring handles crafted from birch, it reflects the uniqueness of Hokkaido's craftsmanship. The set is available in three sizes, catering to different family needs, making it not just a disaster preparedness tool but a versatile addition to any household's storage solutions.
The Future of Local Collaboration
The successful proposal for this initiative was met with enthusiasm from both Ace Luggage and Seino Shoji, leading to a rapid agreement to participate. Their ongoing contributions resonate with their values toward community service, driving the project forward.
This disaster preparedness set features well-known local products, delivering both quality and peace of mind to those who invest in them. As Akabira City promotes its unique craftsmanship through initiatives like this, it continues to appeal for stronger community ties and nationwide recognition. The disaster preparedness sets also serve as a testament to Akabira's innovations in product development and community support.
Everyone involved in this venture — from city officials to business leaders — expresses their hopes that this initiative will not only bolster community readiness for emergencies but also forge deeper connections among local residents and the wider public. By working together to create a sense of safety and assurance, Akabira City stands as a model for collaborative resiliency against future challenges.
Additional Information
For those interested in contributing through the hometown tax program, the disaster preparedness sets are priced as follows:
- - For 1 person: ¥56,000
- - For 2-3 persons: ¥60,000
- - For 4 or more persons: ¥64,000
Explore various platforms such as Rakuten and more to make your contributions and get involved in this local initiative.