Kokuyo and Mankind Games Introduce Virtual Disaster Drills for Office Safety
In recent years, the rise of hybrid work models and Activity-Based Working (ABW) has posed significant challenges to disaster preparedness in office environments. Recognizing this issue, Kokuyo Corporation, based in Osaka and led by President Hidenobu Kuroda, collaborated with Mankind Games, a Tokyo-based company under CEO Kosuke Nakahira, to create a state-of-the-art virtual disaster training system. This innovative system was introduced at Kokuyo's Tokyo Shinagawa office, known as "THE CAMPUS."
On May 28, 2026, Kokuyo hosted a trial run of its "Hybrid Evacuation Drill" aimed at new and mid-career employees, integrating both real and virtual training elements. The objective was to address the pressing issue of diminishing participation rates in traditional evacuation drills, particularly exacerbated by the flexible working patterns of ABW.
With the enforcement of the Fire Service Act, large facilities are required to establish a self-defense organization responsible for initial responses during disasters. However, as organizations increasingly adopt ABW, employees can choose their working hours and locations, leading to fluctuating office attendance. Consequently, the uncertainty of whether designated personnel will be present during emergencies has raised serious concerns about organizational structure and participation in drills.
Developed on the foundation of Mankind Games' "VR Firefighting Training System" for Tokyo Fire Department personnel, the new virtual training platform has been specifically tailored for Kokuyo over a three-month period. The system stands out due to its accessibility:
On the trial day, the event took place from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Kokuyo's Tokyo Shinagawa office. It featured hybrid evacuation training tailored for new and newly hired staff, along with a demonstration of the virtual disaster training system, aiming to familiarize employees with its operation while reinforcing safety protocols.
Kokuyo and Mankind Games plan to extend the current project beyond this initial trial at "THE CAMPUS." They are committed to continually refining the virtual disaster training system through regular evacuation drills and by promoting a culture where every individual is prepared as a member of the self-defense team. This initiative not only enhances preparedness but also empowers employees to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
About Mankind Games: Founded in 2020, Mankind Games specializes in the development of applications and games utilizing immersive XR technologies. Their innovation has been recognized, as they won first place at the 41st UPGRADE with TOKYO program for their proposal on improving firefighting skills through gamification. For more information, visit Mankind Games.
Note: The information provided is accurate as of the release date and is subject to change without prior notice. Company names and product titles mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
On May 28, 2026, Kokuyo hosted a trial run of its "Hybrid Evacuation Drill" aimed at new and mid-career employees, integrating both real and virtual training elements. The objective was to address the pressing issue of diminishing participation rates in traditional evacuation drills, particularly exacerbated by the flexible working patterns of ABW.
Background of Implementation
With the enforcement of the Fire Service Act, large facilities are required to establish a self-defense organization responsible for initial responses during disasters. However, as organizations increasingly adopt ABW, employees can choose their working hours and locations, leading to fluctuating office attendance. Consequently, the uncertainty of whether designated personnel will be present during emergencies has raised serious concerns about organizational structure and participation in drills.
Features of the Virtual Disaster Training System
Developed on the foundation of Mankind Games' "VR Firefighting Training System" for Tokyo Fire Department personnel, the new virtual training platform has been specifically tailored for Kokuyo over a three-month period. The system stands out due to its accessibility:
- - No Special Hardware Required: Unlike many VR systems that need costly headsets, this training tool operates on existing PCs, making it usable anywhere, even by remote employees.
- - Realistic 3D Office Replication: Using 3D scanning technology, the interior of "THE CAMPUS" has been intricately recreated to provide an authentic training environment.
- - Unique Experience: The simulation offers scenarios not feasible in traditional drills, such as navigating through obstacles that would typically occur during a real emergency, enhancing the training experience.
Hybrid Evacuation Drill on May 28
On the trial day, the event took place from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Kokuyo's Tokyo Shinagawa office. It featured hybrid evacuation training tailored for new and newly hired staff, along with a demonstration of the virtual disaster training system, aiming to familiarize employees with its operation while reinforcing safety protocols.
Future Outlook
Kokuyo and Mankind Games plan to extend the current project beyond this initial trial at "THE CAMPUS." They are committed to continually refining the virtual disaster training system through regular evacuation drills and by promoting a culture where every individual is prepared as a member of the self-defense team. This initiative not only enhances preparedness but also empowers employees to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
About Mankind Games: Founded in 2020, Mankind Games specializes in the development of applications and games utilizing immersive XR technologies. Their innovation has been recognized, as they won first place at the 41st UPGRADE with TOKYO program for their proposal on improving firefighting skills through gamification. For more information, visit Mankind Games.
Note: The information provided is accurate as of the release date and is subject to change without prior notice. Company names and product titles mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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