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Kyoto University and Pacific Consultants Collaborate on Disaster Resilience

Pacific Consultants, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has taken a significant step in disaster research by establishing a donation-based research division at the Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute. The initiative is aimed at creating a disaster-resilient society by eliminating human casualties caused by natural disasters and preventing interruptions in societal functions.

This collaboration between Pacific Consultants and Kyoto University builds on their long-standing partnership in the field of disaster prevention. For instance, the two entities have previously collaborated on the "Doshaburu" landslide hazard information service. With the opening of this new research division, both organizations aim to further strengthen their alliance and accelerate the development of various disaster prevention services along with advanced technology that supports resilient urban planning.

Overview of the Donation-Based Research Division

The new research area is named the River Basin Sediment Management (RiSM) within the Climate Change Adaptation Research Center at Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute. Leading this research is Professor Hiroshi Takebayashi, specializing in advanced simulation techniques to predict landslide occurrences and develop effective evacuation strategies in the event of such disasters.

The research will not only focus on landslide prediction technology but will also investigate natural river behaviors, such as why rivers meander, and how to maintain river systems that are less prone to flooding while promoting biodiversity.

Contributions from Pacific Consultants

Mr. Masato Kuwahara, a senior technical director at Pacific Consultants’ Infrastructure Division since April 1995, has been involved in various projects related to flood control, river channel planning, landslide management, and risk management. His work has significantly contributed to creating safe, secure, and sustainable communities and invigorating local economies.

Research Focus and Goals

The research division emphasizes climate change and aims to advance multiphase flow analysis models related to various sediment transport phenomena. It seeks to develop effective sediment management technologies that can be practically applied in real river basins. The recent initiatives include:

• - Dynamic management of river systems considering instability in river course and bed morphology.
• - Development and practical implementation of analytical technologies for sediment transport prediction while considering climate change.
• - Strategies to prevent secondary disasters at landslide sites, including search and rescue techniques along with evacuation methodologies.
• - Enhancing reliability of warning information related to sediment disasters.

About Pacific Consultants

Established in 1951, Pacific Consultants has been a leading construction consultancy in Japan for over 70 years. The company has been deeply involved in planning, designing, and operating social infrastructure across numerous sectors including urban development, architecture, railways, roads, airports, ports, rivers, and water supply. Their vision, "Producing the Future," underscores their commitment to delivering new values towards building a sustainable society where everyone can live in safety.

Company Information:

• - Name: Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd.
• - Address: 3-22 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 101-8462
• - CEO: Shu Ohmoto, Representative Director
• - Official Website: Pacific Consultants