Type
Workshop
CIFAL Japan - Disaster Risk Reduction: recent policy and practice in Japan
Location
Iwaki City, Japan
Date
Duration
3 Hours
Programme Area
Decentralize Cooperation Programme
Registration
Open-registration event
Mode of Delivery
Blended
Language(s)
English,
Japanese
Pillar
People
Partnership
CIFAL Japan, Iwaki City
Event Objectives
- To share Japan’s recent developments, policies, and strategies in disaster risk reduction.
- To enhance understanding of community-based and multi-level DRR approaches.
- To support local capacity-building by presenting tools, case studies, and lessons learned.
- To encourage dialogue between DRR practitioners, researchers, and local authorities.
- To promote alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
Background
Japan is internationally recognised for its advanced systems and policies in disaster risk reduction (DRR), shaped by decades of experience with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather events. This workshop, organised by CIFAL Japan, provided an opportunity for public officials, community leaders, students, and practitioners to learn directly about Japan’s latest strategies, innovations, and multi-sector approaches in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience building. The event aimed to support the global exchange of knowledge and strengthen local resilience capacities through Japanese best practices.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants were expected to:
- Understand the key elements of modern DRR policy in Japan.
- Identify practical approaches for improving local disaster preparedness.
- Analyse real-world case studies of disaster response and recovery.
- Apply insights from Japanese practice to local, national, or institutional DRR planning.
- Strengthen networks among DRR professionals and stakeholders.
Content and Structure
The workshop covered:
- Overview of Japan’s national and local DRR strategy
- Recent policy updates and institutional arrangements
- Best practices in earthquake and tsunami preparedness
- Case studies from Iwaki City and Fukushima Prefecture
- Community resilience and education for disaster preparedness
- Q&A and expert dialogue session
- Interactive group discussions (for hybrid participants)
Methodology
The session used a combination of:
- Expert presentations
- Case study analysis
- Interactive Q&A
- Group reflections (both in-person and online)
- Hybrid facilitation tools for knowledge-sharing
Targeted Audience
- Local and national government officials
- Disaster management and civil protection professionals
- University students and researchers
- NGO and community-based organisation representatives
- Interested members of the public
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