Tokyo Creatist's Short Drama 'Be Prepared for Someday' Targets Gen Z with Earthquake Awareness

15 Years After the Great Earthquake: A Call for Preparedness

As we mark the 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, the Tokyo Creatist group, under Nexter Inc., has gifted us with a powerful tool for awareness: a new vertical short drama titled 'Be Prepared for Someday.' This initiative seeks to engage the Gen Z audience, whose memories of such calamities may have faded over the years, by intertwining real experiences with fictional narratives in a relatable format.

In collaboration with the renowned manga 'Nankai Trough Earthquake', published by Kodansha, the creators have utilized scenes from the manga under official permission to underscore the urgency and necessity of earthquake preparedness. The series was filmed at the Sona Area Tokyo, a facility run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, designed to recreate an earthquake disaster scenario, providing an authentic backdrop that adds a layer of realism to the drama.

Story Overview

This short drama is particularly aimed at today's youth, provoking thought with the question: _“What if your smartphone buzzes right now?”_ The narrative unfolds between two sisters—Ikko, the optimistic and carefree older sister, and Yoko, a pragmatic and logical university student—who find themselves navigating a chaotic new reality. The stark contrast between their characters enhances the storyline, highlighting the vital significance of preparedness in the face of calamity.

The drama opens with a typical day as Ikko casually dismisses an earthquake tremor, believing it's nothing to worry about. In stark contrast, Yoko, equipped with insights from the 'Nankai Trough Earthquake' manga, prepares diligently for any disaster. However, as night falls and Ikko falls asleep, she awakens to a nightmarish reality filled with destruction. Buildings lie in ruins, and she must confront her worst fears when she sees her sister injured and a pregnant woman in distress. It is through the knowledge gained from the manga that Ikko manages to find a glimmer of hope amid despair.

Features and Release Schedule

The short drama consists of five episodes, beginning with Episode 1 release on March 9 at 8 PM, followed by the second and third episodes on March 10, and the final two episodes on March 11. Viewers can catch the series on popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, making it easily accessible to the youth.

The cast includes notable performers: Ikko portrayed by [Miyagawa Ikko], Yoko played by [Soka Yoko], and Ami, a pregnant woman, portrayed by [Naruse Ami]. Their performances shine as they bring the tension of the narrative to life.

Insight from the Cast and Crew

The team behind ‘Be Prepared for Someday’ has expressed their hopes that the series will not only entertain but also educate the younger audience about the critical importance of disaster preparedness. The director, Yokozuka Hidema, emphasizes the need to portray the stark realities of earthquakes while also showing the resilience of humanity. The producers have worked meticulously to depict the emotional turmoil faced in disaster situations while demonstrating practical preparedness strategies inspired by real-life experiences.

Moreover, the makeup and art department focused on enhancing the realism of the disaster scenes, ensuring that the visceral anxiety of an earthquake resonates with viewers. This multi-faceted approach aims to evoke strong emotional reactions and engage viewers in discussions about what it means to be prepared for such inevitable disasters.

Ending Note

Ultimately, ‘Be Prepared for Someday’ is not just a piece of entertainment but a call to action for a generation that may feel disconnected from the realities of natural disasters. It encourages individuals, especially the youth, to take their safety into their own hands and foster a culture of preparedness within their communities. By leveraging both traditional manga storytelling and modern digital platforms, Tokyo Creatist aims to reinvigorate the conversation around disaster readiness in a way that speaks to today’s young adults.