December 2020 to Ongoing – School Pupils in Osaka are Champions for Avoidable Deaths from Tsunamis In 2011, the triple disaster in Japan (tsunami, Tohoku earthquake and the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear plant) killed more than 19,747 people. In the aftermath of the triple disaster the central and local governments have revisited the tsunami predictions. The prediction indicates that in a worst case scenario more than 2000 deaths could take place. The predictions also indicate that if early preparedness can lead to zero deaths. Timely and quick evacuation can avoid deaths. To prepare the “at risk” community as well as to disseminate this valuable information, this evidence-based and action-oriented research project led by Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita from Kansai University addresses the following objectives:
- To engage with school pupils and “at risk” community in order to raise awareness on tsunami prediction.
- To produce Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for tsunami warnings in collaboration with school pupils and the “at risk” community.
- To produce and conduct simulation exercises and drills with school pupils and “at risk” community in order to create a culture of preparedness for tsunamis.
The case study site for this evidence-based and action-oriented research project is Izumiotsu, a coastline port city in the central part of the Osaka Prefecture.
Updates:
7 July 2023: As part of the Junior Champions for Avoidable Tsunami Deaths in Japan project, Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita and Ms. Marina Yagi gave members of the Disaster Prevention Education Management System of Chiayi Country, Taiwan a day-long tour of Izumiotsu, Osaka, Japan. The day commenced with a tour of Hama Day Care Center where the delegates were briefed on their monthly evacuation drills. During these, babies and toddlers are carried or moved by teachers, whilst children aged 3-5 walk, with older children and teachers leading the younger children. The delegates were then given a tour of Hama Elementary School. The students gave a presentation on their disaster preparedness activities and taught the delegates how to play their disaster prevention games. The morning ended with a public meeting between the Taiwanese delegates with the principles of the day care centre and school.
After lunch, the delegates met with the Matsunohama community disaster prevention volunteers and were briefed on their disaster prevention map which depicts expected locations of tsunamis and evacuation routes. The day ended with a visit at Izumiotsu City Hall, where they were given presentations on education and disaster prevention in Izumiotsu by Mr. Yamano, the Board of Education’s Guidance Division Supervisor and Mr. Masakari, Izumiotsu City’s Crisis Management Supervisor. The members of the Disaster Prevention Education Management System of Chiayi Country in Taiwan, the teachers, city officials, and volunteers who participated in the exchange in Japan expressed satisfaction and a desire to continue the interaction.
13 March 2023: Ten international delegates visited ADN’s Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School in Izumiotsu to play 12 disaster risk reduction developed by the children under the guidance of Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita. In the afternoon, 55 Junior Champions attended the Launch of a Global Campaign: International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths, with a group of students presenting their unique board games to the audience. 
7 February 2023: Led by Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita, the Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School engaged with their parents, teaching them games designed around disaster risk reduction.
23 December 2022: The ADN Newsletter 2022 published an article written by Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita. The article discussed the event with the Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School on 7 December 2022.
7 December 2022: Led Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita, Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School developed and played games related to disaster risk reduction.
20 October 2022: Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita is organising a Junior Champions’ event which will take place in Japan on 7 December 2022.
2021: The pupils developed a Tsunami Augmented Reality that entails the residents (at risk community) to learn what will happen when a tsunami occurs at their location.
2020: The 5th grade pupils (10-11 year olds) published tsunami disaster risk reduction newspapers and conducted mock drills
To learn more about this project, please read the ADN Newsletter’s 2020 – 2022.
After lunch, the delegates met with the Matsunohama community disaster prevention volunteers and were briefed on their disaster prevention map which depicts expected locations of tsunamis and evacuation routes. The day ended with a visit at Izumiotsu City Hall, where they were given presentations on education and disaster prevention in Izumiotsu by Mr. Yamano, the Board of Education’s Guidance Division Supervisor and Mr. Masakari, Izumiotsu City’s Crisis Management Supervisor. The members of the Disaster Prevention Education Management System of Chiayi Country in Taiwan, the teachers, city officials, and volunteers who participated in the exchange in Japan expressed satisfaction and a desire to continue the interaction.13 March 2023: Ten international delegates visited ADN’s Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School in Izumiotsu to play 12 disaster risk reduction developed by the children under the guidance of Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita. In the afternoon, 55 Junior Champions attended the Launch of a Global Campaign: International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths, with a group of students presenting their unique board games to the audience.
7 February 2023: Led by Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita, the Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School engaged with their parents, teaching them games designed around disaster risk reduction.
23 December 2022: The ADN Newsletter 2022 published an article written by Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita. The article discussed the event with the Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School on 7 December 2022.
7 December 2022: Led Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita, Junior Champions at Hama Elementary School developed and played games related to disaster risk reduction.
20 October 2022: Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita is organising a Junior Champions’ event which will take place in Japan on 7 December 2022.
2021: The pupils developed a Tsunami Augmented Reality that entails the residents (at risk community) to learn what will happen when a tsunami occurs at their location.
2020: The 5th grade pupils (10-11 year olds) published tsunami disaster risk reduction newspapers and conducted mock drills
To learn more about this project, please read the ADN Newsletter’s 2020 – 2022.