#Japan #Disaster Preparedness #Suzu #Ringbell #RING BELL SONAE

The Implementation Story of 'RING BELL SONAE'

In response to the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, Ringbell Corporation, headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, introduced a unique gift catalog focused on disaster preparedness called "RING BELL SONAE." This catalog was launched on February 6, 2025, offering an extensive range of disaster supplies tailored for individual needs. Starting August 1, 2024, customers can also choose a more convenient card format for gifting or taking home.

The story of how "RING BELL SONAE" was utilized by a local company in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered severe damages from the earthquake, illustrates the profound impact of thoughtful preparedness. The company, which has proudly served the steel and information systems industries for over 70 years, faced the significant challenge of losing an employee's home due to the quake, resulting in their departure from the company.

A Gift of Preparedness in Times of Change

The person responsible at the company revealed, "We were aware of Ringbell's commitment to disaster preparedness through various municipal catalog projects, and I always thought highly of their initiatives. When I learned about the nationwide 'RING BELL SONAE', I hoped to integrate it into our employee benefits someday."

She continued, "The employee departing remarked that they wanted to forget the earthquake by leaving Suzu City. However, disasters can strike anywhere. We wanted to express our gratitude for their contributions and emphasize the importance of always being prepared, hence we decided to present 'RING BELL SONAE' as a farewell gift."

The Unforeseen Impact of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

While the company had previously experienced minor earthquakes, nothing prepared them for the magnitude of the tremors felt during the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Despite their best efforts to secure furniture and supplies, the force of the quake was beyond what their preparations could sustain.

Reflecting on the experience, she noted, "Before the earthquake, we had taken significant measures based on past events. But this time, with the severity of a 7 on the seismic scale, even the braces we used were rendered useless as they flew off."

On the days following the earthquake, communication with staff became a challenge as many were busy dealing with personal crises. The company shifted its start date to January 9th as many employees were busy clearing their homes. They even went door-to-door to ensure every employee was accounted for, which was crucial in such unprecedented circumstances.

Essential Supplies Revealed Through Experience

The company faced essential shortages immediately after the earthquake, particularly in water supply, as all services were suspended. In fact, it wasn’t until four days after the disaster that aid supplies, including water, began to arrive. This experience opened their eyes to the vital importance of drinking water in emergency survival.

"We truly realized the significance of having water available. Without it, we couldn't even prepare food or consume accessible products like instant noodles. Our understanding of the situation deepened as we faced the uncertainty without access to basic amenities."

In imagining alternative supplies, she highlighted the incident that most impacted them: the urgent need for portable toilets, which suddenly became a necessity.

Customized Preparedness: A Step Toward Safety

The invaluable lessons drawn from their experiences emphasized the need for tailored disaster supplies catering to individual lifestyles and family needs. The decision to select "RING BELL SONAE" as a farewell gift stemmed from its unique feature, allowing recipients to choose their preferred items.

According to the corporate representative, "The requirements for disaster preparedness truly vary from person to person and region to region. Sometimes we think we have enough food supplies, only to discover that they are nearing expiration – or the other way around. 'RING BELL SONAE' complements each individual’s preparedness with a selection that reflects their personal needs."

The catalog contains around 130 vital items, including water, emergency food, portable toilets, communication tools, and even basic bedding, outshining typical offerings that seldom exceed 30 products. Additionally, it is structured not only as a catalog but also serves educational purposes, aided by professional advice on disaster preparedness in home settings.

Looking Ahead with 'RING BELL SONAE'

As part of Ringbell’s ongoing dedication to social contributions in disaster preparedness, they aim to utilize their expertise gained from past experiences while providing essential support across various communities in Japan. The journey to launch the 'RING BELL SONAE' catalog not only seeks to enhance citizen preparedness but also aligns with Ringbell’s mission to ensure safety and awareness throughout society.

The company, established in 1987, has evolved significantly, adapting to meet the increasing demands of contemporary societal issues. This comprehensive approach extends beyond mere product offerings to fostering community awareness and resilience against natural disasters.

Conclusion

In a world where uncertainty prevails, Ringbell’s innovative disaster preparedness catalog "RING BELL SONAE" stands as a beacon of hope and preparedness. By empowering individuals with choices to protect themselves and their families, this initiative marks a significant shift towards a safer future.