#Japan #Wajima #Wajima City #Disaster Housing #Offsite Construction

Japan's Offsite Construction Association Forms Basic Agreement with Wajima City for Disaster Housing

On August 10, 2023, the Japan Offsite Construction Association (J.O.C.A.), based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, entered into a basic agreement with Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture regarding the establishment of disaster public housing as part of the recovery efforts from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred in 2024. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing needs for sustainable housing in the disaster-stricken area.

Details of the Agreement

Wajima City is currently embarking on a project to renovate temporary housing units that have been provided as emergency accommodations, transforming them into permanent public disaster housing. The agreement outlines the association's role in facilitating cooperation among its member companies, which includes coordinating support for the renovation work.

Once Wajima City formulates and submits a request detailing the renovation plans, including specifications and the number of units, J.O.C.A. will recommend appropriate contractors from its membership. These contractors bring valuable experience from the construction and specifications of the temporary housing, ensuring a smooth transition to the renovation phase. By leveraging existing expertise, this initiative aims to expedite the housing recovery process to support those affected by the earthquake.

Insights from the Association's Leadership

Toshinari Nagasaka, the Representative Director of the Japan Offsite Construction Association, shared his thoughts, emphasizing, "Connecting temporary housing to permanent residences is a significant challenge in the reconstruction efforts in Noto. We are committed to utilizing the knowledge of our member companies to provide a safe and secure living environment for those affected as soon as possible."

About the Japan Offsite Construction Association

The Japan Offsite Construction Association is dedicated to the research, development, and promotion of offsite construction techniques, where housing units are manufactured in factories and then transported to their final locations. The organization aims to enhance the supply chain for emergency and temporary housing during disasters while fostering community growth in non-emergency times. Formerly known as the Japan Mobile Construction Association, this organization has rebranded to better reflect its focus and mission.

Key Details about J.O.C.A.

• - Name: Japan Offsite Construction Association
• - Location: 2-12-1 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Representative Director: Toshinari Nagasaka

Key Activities

• - Support construction of wooden emergency temporary housing by member companies during disasters.
• - Establish disaster agreements with prefectures and municipalities across Japan, focusing on temporary housing construction and community recovery.
• - Create and manage an information platform related to the social storage of offsite construction.

Achievements in the Aftermath of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

In response to the recent earthquake, J.O.C.A. has successfully supplied 261 units of temporary wooden housing across eight groups in the Ishikawa Prefecture, specifically in Wajima City, Nanao City, and Noto Town.

For more information on their initiatives and partnerships, you can visit their official website at Japan Offsite Construction Association.