Civic Force Launches Partnership to Enhance Disaster Response in Soka City

Civic Force Strengthens Disaster Preparedness in Soka City

In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, Civic Force, a public interest incorporated association based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has established a cooperation agreement with the local gambling industry security cooperation association on June 26. The partnership aims to enhance the supply of materials and support for disaster response efforts in the region.

During a signing ceremony held in Soka City, various stakeholders, including government officials, private businesses, and support organizations, marked the beginning of a new collaborative approach to disaster response. Attending the ceremony were Soka City Mayor Yuriko Yamakawa, Chairman Shunsuke Sakuma from the local gambling industry security cooperation association, and Civic Force's Executive Director Kaori Negi.

Mayor Yamakawa emphasized the pressing need for collaborative disaster response efforts, stating, "In recent years, natural disasters have become more frequent, making it challenging for local administrations to cope alone. This agreement represents a significant step forward. We must strengthen our preparations for any potential disaster."

Meanwhile, Chairman Sakuma highlighted the importance of community connection. He reiterated the association's commitment to using their resources, such as stored supplies, to work in synergy with relevant organizations to provide swift support during crises, contributing to the safety and security of the local community.

Executives from Civic Force, including Kaori Negi, discussed the importance of preparation before a disaster strikes. "Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have gained valuable experiences from various disasters of different magnitudes and natures. This initiative, our first collaboration with pachinko establishments in the Tokyo metropolitan area, aims to ensure these venues can serve as support hubs during disasters, and we want the community to be aware of this resource in advance," Negi affirmed.

To align with this agreement, Civic Force has provisioned essential supplies to Soka City and the local pachinko hall, SAP Soka. Among the delivered items are:

- 160 air beds
- 30,000 portable toilets
- 1 hand lift
- 5 cart trolleys

By joining forces with local agencies to storing supplies in advance, Civic Force ensures rapid distribution of critical materials to Soka City and surrounding areas when a disaster occurs. Furthermore, Civic Force has plans for similar partnerships, including one with Wakayama Prefecture and its gambling industry cooperative in 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a robust supply chain for emergency materials in collaboration with local governments and businesses.

Civic Force is also collaborating with local governments in areas such as Takeo City in Saga Prefecture and Kainan City in Wakayama Prefecture for joint storage of materials aimed at disaster preparedness. As the frequency and scale of disasters rise, there’s an urgent need to secure a significant amount of support supplies while tackling challenges such as limited storage space. To mitigate this issue, a portion of the supplies recently delivered, including portable toilets and air beds, has been stored at the SAP Soka facility belonging to the gambling industry security cooperation association.

These supplies were procured and stored thanks to the collaboration of businesses that support Civic Force’s mission. The organization's commitment is to continue strengthening partnerships with local businesses and governments to foster communities resilient to disasters.

About Civic Force

Founded in 2009, Civic Force is dedicated to responding to major disasters in Japan by providing quick and effective support through collaboration among businesses, NGOs, and government entities. Their approach maximizes the strengths of each participant to meet the needs of disaster-affected areas from the moment disaster strikes through recovery and reconstruction. Through sharing experiences and lessons learned from disasters, they support the development of communities prepared for future emergencies.