41.10 Disaster Preparedness and Go-Bag
Japan’s emergency systems move fast; having a plan keeps you from scrambling when an alert hits your phone. Use this checklist alongside 41.01 Japan Life, 41.04 Digital Government and Civic Services, and 41.07 Mobile, Internet and Communications so paperwork, communications, and supplies stay aligned.
Core alert channels
- J-Alert (Fire and Disaster Management Agency): Satellite-based warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, missile launches, and severe weather. Review the official overview and confirm cell broadcast alerts are enabled on every handset.
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): Earthquake epicentre data, tsunami bulletins, and volcanic advisories arrive within minutes. Bookmark the JMA earthquake operations page and practise reading the intensity scale.
- Safety Tips app (JNTO): Multilingual app that aggregates Earthquake Early Warnings, evacuation shelter lists, and embassy contacts. Download it from JNTO’s site and enable push notifications in your preferred language.
- NHK & municipal alerts: 55.03 NHK and J-ALERT explains how to register reception contracts and stream NHK World. Check your city’s LINE account for local evacuation notices.
Go-bag essentials
| Item | Why it matters | Linked note |
|---|---|---|
| IDs & copies | Passport, residence card, My Number card, plus paper copies stored in a waterproof pouch. | 41.04 Digital Government and Civic Services |
| Communications | Battery pack, multi-port cable, spare SIM or eSIM QR code, and printed contact list. | 41.07 Mobile, Internet and Communications |
| Medical kit | Seven-day supply of prescriptions, first-aid basics, allergy list, and spare glasses. | 41.03 Healthcare and Insurance |
| Cash & payments | At least ¥30,000 in small bills, an IC card, and one credit card in case ATMs or networks fail. | 41.06 Banking and Money Management |
| Shelter gear | Lightweight blanket, rain poncho, gloves, N95 masks, and a multipurpose tool. | 41.05 Housing and Utilities |
| Food & water | Three-day supply of shelf-stable food, bottled water, and electrolyte packets. Rotate stock quarterly. | 41.01 Japan Life |
Store the bag near your exit and keep a duplicate list in your phone. Photograph serial numbers for electronics or instruments and archive them in 02.01 Random Log so insurance claims move faster.
Evacuation routines
- Know your shelters. Use municipal hazard maps or 54.05 Disaster Preparedness Tokyo to locate primary and secondary shelters. Highlight the fastest walking routes.
- Drill departures. Practise a quarterly grab-and-go: shut off gas and water mains, grab the bag, lock the door, and walk to the designated shelter. Time each run and note friction points.
- Communication plan. Share meeting points and emergency contacts (domestic and overseas) with family or roommates. Set up a dedicated group chat and decide who sends the first status update.
- Seasonal prep. Ahead of typhoon season, stage window bracing kits and review flood zone maps. For winter, confirm you have blankets and heat packs in case of power outages.
- After the event. Inspect your home for structural damage before re-entering, photograph issues for insurance, and schedule follow-up appointments with ward offices if paperwork or assistance is needed.
Maintenance habits
- Check expiry dates on food, medicine, and batteries every three months; schedule reminders on the same day you pay utility bills.
- Update printed contact lists whenever someone changes numbers or moves.
- Keep a short note in 21.09 Pitch Accent and Lyric Drills when you practise emergency phrases with tutors—saying them out loud makes them easier to recall under stress.
- Log significant drills or emergencies in 02.01 Random Log so you can review what worked and what needs adjusting.