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Japan Resilience Award 2025: Celebrating Innovation in Social Resilience

The Japan Future Resilience Organization, based in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, recently achieved significant recognition by receiving both the Runner-up Award and the inaugural Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the 11th Japan Resilience Award. Two of its groundbreaking solutions, the smart video calling system "Waravi" and the high-security communication app "SecurityTalk," were honored for their contributions towards building a robust society.

Understanding the Japan Resilience Award

The Japan Resilience Award is a prestigious recognition organized by the Resilience Japan Promotion Council located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, led by President Michiaki Hirose, who also serves as an advisor at Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. This award program aims to foster a resilient society for future generations by recognizing pioneering companies and organizations that engage in disaster prevention, mitigation, and strengthening national infrastructure. Since its inception in November 2014, the award has focused on initiatives that contribute to building a resilient nation, community, and industries. The evaluation criteria consider several factors: resilience, public utility, sustainability, spreadability, originality, and effectiveness, assessing the long-term impact of initiatives on disaster prevention and resilience.

Award-Winning Innovations

Waravi: Smart Video Calling System

"Waravi" stands out as an innovative solution that allows easy video calling via smart televisions and remote controls. This user-friendly system is particularly advantageous for elderly individuals who may struggle with operating computers and smartphones. By connecting to their TVs, users can easily communicate with family members and others with whom they need to maintain regular contact. Moreover, Waravi aims to enhance disaster information reception and facilitate remote medical consultations, thus broadening its practical applications in times of crisis.

SecurityTalk: High-Security Communication App

On the other hand, "SecurityTalk" is a communication app that ensures heightened security by retaining no communication data on servers. Utilizing the globally patented technology known as "@POP," the app processes authentication and communication entirely on the user's device. This focus on security has gained interest from various sectors, including government and healthcare organizations, as preparations are underway for a global rollout of the app.

Award Ceremony Details

The award ceremony took place on April 22, 2025, in Tokyo, where the organization's representative director, Masahiro Yamamoto, and director Ko Inage, were present to accept the awards.

Insights from Masahiro Yamamoto, Representative Director

Masahiro Yamamoto expressed the organization's mission to create a society where no one is left behind, striving to bridge technological divides surrounding information and security. "Waravi allows everyone, regardless of their tech-savviness, to engage in video calls using only a smart TV and remote control. It connects seniors to family members seamlessly from the comfort of their homes, while also supporting social functions such as disaster notifications and remote monitoring."

He further discussed "SecurityTalk," which features a revolutionary design where all communication stays within the device, ensuring unmatched security. The incorporation of distributed AI, also known as "digital twins," is set for future implementation, all aimed at solidifying a reliable and secure social infrastructure.

Masahiro concluded by emphasizing their commitment to collaborating with both public and private sectors to forge a safer and more secure future.

For inquiries related to this achievement, the Japan Future Resilience Organization can be contacted at their main office in Marugame City. More information can also be accessed via their official websites, including Waravi and SecurityTalk.