#Japan #Disaster Resilience #LIFULL ArchiTech #Kochi Prefecture #Muroto

LIFULL ArchiTech and Kochi Prefecture Join Forces for Disaster Preparedness

In a significant move towards improving community resilience in the face of disasters, LIFULL ArchiTech, a subsidiary of LIFULL Group, formalized a comprehensive partnership agreement with Kochi Prefecture’s Muroto City on July 13, 2026. The agreement focuses on providing timely housing solutions during disasters as well as stimulating local community revitalization initiatives.

Background of the Agreement

Disaster preparedness is a pressing issue for municipalities across Japan, particularly when it comes to establishing a systematic approach for providing essential living spaces immediately after a disaster strikes. LIFULL ArchiTech aims to address this challenge by collaborating with local governments nationwide to facilitate the rapid deployment of their innovative instant products. These products include the Instant House, which can be set up within hours to create comfortable living spaces anywhere, and the Instant Room, designed to maintain privacy and comfort during mass evacuations.

In Muroto City, the Instant House will be implemented at the 'Toromu Glamping Kochi', a facility managed by the city, serving as a unique community hub that not only attracts visitors but also fulfills its function as an evacuation center during emergencies. By proving the utility of these instant products through its successful application, the partnership with Muroto City has been established.

Objectives of the Partnership

The new partnership between LIFULL ArchiTech and Muroto City aims to focus on the following aspects:
1. Supply and support of instant products during disasters.
2. Utilizing instant products for disaster preparedness education and training.
3. Boosting regional revitalization and community interaction through effective use of instant products.
4. Revitalizing vacant houses using innovative residential technology based on the Instant House concept.

This collaborative effort will empower LIFULL ArchiTech to ensure timely provision of necessary housing solutions while simultaneously enhancing disaster awareness and preparedness among local youth and community organizations.

Innovative Instant Products

Instant House

The Instant House is notable for its quick setup capability, requiring just a few hours to create a comfortable environment. It serves a multitude of purposes: providing a shelter for those unable to reach designated evacuation centers, acting as an isolation space for medical needs, and accommodating support staff and volunteers. This versatility makes it indispensable in emergency situations.

Instant Room

Constructed from a multi-layered cardboard design, the Instant Room excels in thermal insulation, soundproofing, and privacy protection, providing a secure space for each evacuee. Not only does it enhance psychological safety for the individuals taking shelter, but it also prevents the spread of infections, addressing both physical and mental stress in challenging conditions. This is crucial in ensuring the health and dignity of evacuees.

Comment from Tsukasa Yamanaka, COO of LIFULL ArchiTech

In light of ongoing challenges such as disaster readiness, depopulation, and the revitalization of communities, Yamanaka emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches to these issues. He views this agreement not just as a partnership focused solely on disaster management, but as a model for integrating these solutions into everyday life, enhancing both community resilience and attraction for tourists.

Yamanaka states, “The Instant House and Instant Room initiatives are expected to evolve beyond disaster response and serve as valuable resources for tourism and community education, fostering sustainable local development.”

About LIFULL ArchiTech

Founded by applying the research of Professor Keisuke Kitagawa from Nagoya Institute of Technology, LIFULL ArchiTech develops innovative solutions to address issues related to lodging shortages amid rising inbound tourism, as well as the effective utilization of vacant houses and housing needs in times of disaster.

Find out more about Instant House and its applications at LIFULL.

Conclusion

Collaborative efforts between organizations like LIFULL ArchiTech and local governments highlight a proactive approach to tackling disasters and fostering community development. As they implement innovative solutions and educational initiatives, they pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future for their communities.