Date & Time: Saturday, Jun 29, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Spots: Yokohama Disaster Risk Reduction Learning Center (YDRRLC), Yokohama City Fire Bureau→Subculture Shops in the Sky Building (Group 1), Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery (Group 2)
Language: English
Participants: eighteen international students at Institute of Science Tokyo (eight from Germany, two from the United States, and one each from China, Belgium, France, Canada, Denmark, India, the Philippines, and Thailand – along with one professor)
Guides: eight KSGG members
For the second consecutive year, KSGG has conducted a disaster prevention experience tour for international students. Staff members of YDRRLC guided the students and KSGG members interpreted the explanations. In building, after watching a video promoting the importance of earthquake preparedness, they experienced an earthquake simulator, which had been out of order last year. The highest seismic intensity* on the simulator is intensity 7. Although the KSGG members were concerned that they might be scared and scream during the earthquake simulation, they remained calm and eagerly took the opportunity to experience a major earthquake firsthand. They then attentively learned how to use a fire extinguisher, evacuate from a smoke-filled area, and protect themselves indoors during an earthquake, such as staying away from falling objects and taking cover under a desk.
At the end of the tour, they moved out to the outdoor experience facility and participated in two types of flood disaster simulations. All of them changed into chest-high waterproof waders prepared by YDRRLC and put on helmets and gloves. During the flood simulation, they realized how much physical strength is required to open a door against water pressure in the event of a 40 cm-deep flood outside a house. Afterwards, they walked through rapidly flowing water 30 cm deep. All of them tried both tours eagerly and pleasantly. Some succeeded in opening the door and completely emptied the water tank! It was the waders that interested all of them, and they really were excited taking photos of each other’s brave outfits. And got an unexpected question, “Do you all have such waders in Japan?
After having a lively conversation over lunch on the benches at YDRRLC, some of the students visited the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery, while the others visited the Subculture Shops in the Sky Building. For the international students, disaster preparedness is not someone else’s issue. Their attentive attitudes during the tour left a strong impression on guides.
* Seismic Intensity: According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it consists of 10 levels. Intensity 7 is the highest level and can cause catastrophic damage.
2025-10-1