#Japan #Tokyo #Disaster Prevention #WAVE1 #Weather News

Introduction

In November 2025, WAVE1, headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo, will launch a dedicated weather disaster prevention service called "Mansion Disaster Prevention Navi powered by Weather News" for apartment management associations. This innovative service is designed to assist these groups in making informed decisions during emergencies by utilizing meteorological data from Weather News, a well-respected entity in weather forecasting.

Background of Development

The inception of this service is grounded in the lessons learned from the Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, where it became glaringly clear that managing disaster responses in apartment complexes is often fraught with difficulties. During this disaster, many apartment management organizations were faced with the daunting responsibility of assessing damage and making immediate decisions regarding emergency responses. With two earthquakes registering a maximum intensity of 7, managers found themselves overwhelmed by the chaos of conflicting information while wanting to ensure residents’ safety and coordinated communication with external emergency services.

According to a report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism published in 2018, many management organizations struggled significantly in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, often finding it difficult to connect with management companies to ascertain the situation or devise a response plan. This troubling scenario highlighted the necessity of having readily accessible, accurate information during crisis situations.

Addressing Urban Challenges

Concurrently, WAVE1 is acutely aware of the urban challenges residents face, particularly in Tokyo where around 9 million people live in condominiums. The 2024 key policy outline for Tokyo emphasizes the urgency in strengthening disaster preparedness, particularly for those choosing to evacuate at home in the aftermath of disasters. Surveys have revealed that approximately 75% of residents in multi-family dwellings prefer to shelter in place if their homes are undamaged, while only 16% indicate they would opt for evacuation centers. Additionally, while about 60% report having three days’ worth of food and water, just 28% possess essential items like disaster-use toilets necessary for continued living conditions.

These insights affirm the pressing need for systems that empower management associations to make informed decisions promptly based on accurate data. Therefore, WAVE1's "Mansion Disaster Prevention Navi" aims to consolidate disaster weather information, support evacuation decision-making, share damage reports, and provide updates from governmental authorities into a single platform, ensuring both management associations and residents can collaboratively engage in disaster response planning.

Features of the Service

The new service is a comprehensive tool allowing apartment management associations to have real-time access to essential weather and disaster information. Its features include:

• - Automatic collection and display of weather and disaster information pertinent to the association's location.
• - Hourly weather forecasts for up to ten days.
• - Notifications regarding natural disaster warnings and alerts.
• - Lightning risk information and heat stroke indicators based on daily risk levels.
• - Rain accumulation forecasts for 24 hours, including indicators of dangerous rainfall thresholds.
• - Predictions regarding potential power outages to ensure residents can prepare accordingly.

Insights from Preliminary Research

Prior to the official launch, WAVE1 conducted a monitor survey involving current and past directors of apartment management associations. The responses underscored a strong demand for a tailored solution specifically designed for management associations. Many participants expressed interest in a premium service if enhanced features could be offered, with preferred pricing under 1,000 yen per month.

The survey also highlighted common inquiries residents have for directors, such as appropriate evacuation timing, emergency supplies, training drills, and compliance with hazard maps. This signals a robust expectation that the new service can address these pressing concerns effectively.

User Feedback

Feedback from early users has been overwhelmingly positive, citing features such as:

• - Integration of alerts with management associations' disaster planning.
• - Improved user interface for easier access to essential information.
• - Assurance from having synchronized information during emergencies between management associations and management companies.

Future Developments

Going forward, WAVE1 is set to expand the "Mansion Disaster Prevention Navi" to apartment management associations across Japan. This initiative will not only provide information but will also support decision-making processes during crises. Moreover, there is a future vision of collaborating with AI-driven fire management diagnostic services to optimize both fire prevention and disaster response using data-driven insights.

Ultimately, the goal of "Mansion Disaster Prevention Navi powered by Weather News" will be to consolidate accurate weather and disaster risk information, empowering management associations to make educated, swift decisions. The long-term vision includes a robust support system framed around both disaster and fire preparedness, utilizing AI diagnostics and meteorological forecasts to ensure the safety of residents is upheld in times of crisis.

Trial Introduction Program

As part of the service launch, a trial introduction program will be offered to management companies and apartment management associations from November 19 to December 31, 2025. A limited number of 20 organizations will be accepted through an application process, providing a chance for participants to share their experiences and gain early access to any future enhancements.

For more information regarding the application process, please visit the dedicated registration link.