WAVE1 Hosts Family Disaster Preparedness Workshop at Takashimaya Osaka

In a significant initiative, WAVE1, headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo, recently held a two-day workshop aimed at disaster preparedness for families at the Takashimaya department store in Osaka, on August 13 and 14, 2025. With 51 participants, this program encouraged families to engage in experiential learning focused on various disaster risks, including fires, earthquakes, floods, and terrorism.

The Importance of Disaster Education

WAVE1 is dedicated to disseminating the principles of 'self-help and mutual support' during disasters, placing great emphasis on educating the next generation. They have developed tools such as the 'Fire Prevention AI Diagnosis' that visualizes a building's safety during emergencies. Collaborating with professional fighter Tohru Ogawa, who leads the Junior Survival School, WAVE1 designed the workshop to effectively convey the challenges faced right after a disaster through hands-on experiences.

Experiential Learning Approach

The organized program allowed children to grasp the essence of disaster preparedness in real scenarios. Participants faced situations such as 'unable to drink water,' 'not being seen by anyone,' and 'not knowing what to do amid anxiety.' The goal was to help children think and act in ways that would equip them to protect themselves and their families.

Workshop Contents and Achievements

As climate change continues to increase disaster risks, this workshop was structured to provide practical learning experiences while ensuring enjoyment. The children participated in various activities encouraging vital skills, such as:

1. Emergency Backpack Packing Challenge (8 participants) - Participants crawled through a smoke-filled area, learning to avoid smoke while quickly deciding which emergency supplies to take. This exercise emphasized the need for swift judgment in emergency situations.

2. Building a Simple Water Filtration System (13 participants) - Using common materials, participants filtered muddy water through a homemade device. This engaging activity highlighted the importance of clean water during a disaster and taught them about additional processing requirements.

3. Disaster Mini-Quiz Tournament (13 participants) - Each child engaged in a quiz that covered various disaster responses. This method ensured they understood the common safety measures applicable to all types of emergencies, fostering a deeper understanding of necessary actions.

4. Creating SOS Whistles (17 participants) - Crafting whistles out of straws allowed children to learn an essential method for calling for help without straining their voices during disasters. This innovative activity stressed the significance of using sounds rather than voices to signal for assistance.

Participant Feedback

Participants emphasized the workshop's engaging yet educational nature:

- “Learning with my child was enjoyable, and it prompted discussions about our preparedness at home.”
- “I found the emergency backpack activity striking; discussing priorities with my child was insightful.”
- “The quizzes and experiments kept the experience dynamic, blending fun with essential learning.”

Perspectives from Stakeholders

Representatives from Takashimaya remarked on the growing disaster risk due to climate change and highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives. The workshop successfully attracted families organically visiting the store and facilitated a fun learning environment.

Tohru Ogawa, representing the Junior Survival School, noted, “Involving children in the process of thinking and preparing themselves leads to resilience for the future. This effort with WAVE1 is something we want to expand nationwide.”

About the Junior Survival School

The Junior Survival School (JSS) is a nonprofit program aimed at middle and elementary school children, focusing on instilling values such as respect, resilience, and kindness. With experienced staff, they prioritize safety in simulated training activities, ensuring that children learn about the importance of life.

Future Initiatives

WAVE1 plans to continue their comprehensive focus on disaster education, addressing all aspects from facilities to educational programs. They aim to extend workshops not just for families but across schools, communities, and companies, promoting individualized preparedness efforts.

WAVE1 recognizes that successful disaster response cannot rely solely on for-profit companies; partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments are essential. They are actively seeking collaborators to propel their mission of instilling survival skills in future generations.

Company Overview

WAVE1 Corporation

- CEO: Takuya Yoshimura
- Location: 1-13-8 Honan, Suginami, Tokyo
- Established: January 19, 2018
- Business Focus: Fire prevention, disaster diagnostics, consultancy, and planning for safety training events.
- Website: WAVE1 Group