#Japan #Tokyo #local governments #Disaster Preparedness #Offsite Construction

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness through National Agreements

The Japan Offsite Construction Association (J-OCA), based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is actively engaging with municipalities across the country to establish agreements that focus on disaster preparedness and regional development. As of April 13, 2026, we are pleased to report on the current status of these agreements.

Types and Content of Agreements

J-OCA is entering into three significant types of agreements with local governments:

1. Agreement on Emergency Temporary Housing Construction

This agreement outlines the support provided by J-OCA for the swift construction of wooden emergency temporary housing for victims of large-scale disasters. The key points include:

• - The association will connect member construction companies with local authorities upon request.
• - We will offer maximum cooperation concerning the construction of wooden temporary housing.
• - An annual report of production and construction capacities will be provided to the municipalities.

The agreement leverages the stability in quality and rapid turnaround inherent in offsite construction techniques to ensure that a large number of temporary housing units can be delivered when needed. For instance, member companies were involved in the construction of 261 units of temporary housing following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa year 6 (2024).

2. Agreement for the Construction of Temporary Buildings for Recovery Activities

Beyond just emergency housing, this agreement covers the construction of necessary temporary buildings for overall disaster recovery activities. This includes disaster response bases, temporary accommodations, and offices. Currently, J-OCA holds agreements with Ishikawa Prefecture and Wajima City, built on precedents from responding to the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

3. Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement for Regional Vitalization and Disaster Risk Reduction

This agreement encompasses a broad range of collaborations that go beyond temporary housing support. It aims to enhance disaster preparedness, promote regional development, foster relocation and settlement, and initiate local revitalization efforts. Many municipalities signed this agreement in conjunction with the emergency housing construction agreements, promoting the integrated advancement of disaster responses and everyday community development.

Status of Agreements as of April 13, 2026

• - Emergency Temporary Housing Construction Agreements: Total of 22 agreements

- Prefectures and Designated Cities (8): Ishikawa, Tottori, Yamagata, Oita, Chiba, Miyazaki, Tokushima, Saitama
- Municipalities (14): Various towns and cities across Ibaraki, Mie, Oita, Aichi, Saga, Wakayama, and more.

• - Temporary Buildings for Recovery Activities Agreements: Total of 2 agreements

- Prefectures and Designated Cities (1): Ishikawa
- Municipalities (1): Wajima City

• - Comprehensive Collaboration Agreements: Total of 16 agreements with various municipalities across Japan.

Comment from the President

Toshinari Nagasaka, the Chairman of J-OCA, expressed, "While we focus on preparing for large-scale disasters, the potential contributions of offsite construction extend to regional revitalization, housing stability in remote areas, and ensuring robust housing infrastructure. We will continue to strengthen our collaborations with local governments to serve as a reliable resource in both disaster and non-disaster situations for the future of housing and communities in Japan."

Ongoing Efforts for Agreement Expansion

Our association is currently finalizing agreements with multiple prefectures and municipalities regarding emergency housing. Preparedness for large-scale disasters is crucial, as their occurrence can be unpredictable. Municipal officials who wish to ensure readiness in their communities are encouraged to reach out for detailed explanations about our agreements and the networking possibilities with member companies.

Contact Information for Local Government Officials

For inquiries from local governments and administrative offices, please contact the Secretariat of the Japan Offsite Construction Association at J-OCA Contact Page.