Preparing for Training on Creating Safe Communities

28th June 2022

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), a JPF member NGO, has been providing equipment lost due to flood damage to improve the environment of the community center and annex in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, in response to the needs expressed by local residents and related parties who use the facilities.
It has been four years since the disaster struck., there is a growing need for opportunities for local residents to think about evacuation and disaster preparedness in the event of flooding or earthquakes. Preparations are underway to implement training programs to help create a community where people can live with peace of mind.

Making ohagi rice cakes and holding a tea ceremony

27th May, 2022

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), a JPF member, has been supporting post-disaster community building activities by local groups in the disaster-stricken cities of Sakamachi and Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture.
On April 3, they held an ohagi rice cakes making and tea ceremony at the Koyaura Public housing for disaster. Everyone actively participated and it was a good opportunity for communication.

Environmental Improvement for Community Centers in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City

April 22, 2022

Peace Boat Disaster Relief(PBV), a JPF member NGO, provided equipment for the community center and annex in Mabi-cho that were lost due to flooding damage. All 139 items at the six locations originally planned were provided. The number of households that have returned to the community is now 90% of the pre-disaster level, and PBV will continue to support the rebuilding of lives and the promotion of community revitalization.

English Version of Disaster Preparedness Guide for Parents and Kids

March 17, 2022

• Preparing to deliver the "Disaster Preparedness Guide for Parents and Kids" created by a local organization
  (Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City) ©PWJ
• Event organized by a local organization
  (Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City) ©PWJ

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), a JPF member NGO, has been providing companion support to "Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku" in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, which was affected by the torrential rains in western Japan. The project has contributed to activities to enhance local resilience, including the Yellow Sash initiative and the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Parents and Kids.
An English version is also available for foreigners living in the area.

Support project in Hiroshima Prefecture

24th February 2022

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), a JPF member NGO, has been providing support to strengthen communities in Saka-cho and Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, which were affected by the torrential rains in western Japan, by creating places for interaction and other activities at public disaster housing and meeting places. PWJ also holds workshops where all participants can discuss what they would like to do.

Extension of Support Project in Mabi-cho

24th January 2022

• PCs and peripheral devices ©PBV

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), a JPF member NGO, is implementing a community revitalization project in Mabi-cho, which was affected by the torrential rains in western Japan. The project period is extended to March 31 to respond to the situation. By providing equipment needed for community centers and branch libraries, PBV will develop places for local residents to gather. For example, PCs and peripheral devices are used for remote meetings during the COVID-19 crisis.

Mabi-cho's Local Group Received Awards for Community Building

8th December 2021

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), a JPF member NGO, is continuing its support activities in the areas affected by the torrential rains in western Japan. In Saka-machi and Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Mabi-cho in Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture, we are engaged in activities to support capacity building for local organizations.

Last month, "Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku," a local group that PWJ has been supporting in Mabi-cho, received the “2021 Community Building Promotion Award of Bicchu Prefectural People's Bureau”, which recognizes efforts that contribute to the community and are exemplary.

PWJ's Support Project in Hiroshima

2nd November 2021

PWJ, a JPF member NGO, has started a support project in Saka-machi and Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, which were affected by the torrential rains in western Japan.

We will continue to report on our activities to support the victims of the torrential rain in western Japan through our website and other media.

Extension of the Project to Support People affected by Western Japan Floods

12th October 2021

In the Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods, member NGOs are providing accompaniment support to local groups in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City. Considering the needs for support to strengthen local capabilities, Peace Boat Disaster Relief Center (PBV) and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) are responding by extending their respective project periods. We will also conduct program evaluation of JPF.

“Voices from the Field” in Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods

16th September 2021

• Project to make nameplates by hand ©PWJ

As part of JPF's support for the Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods, member NGOs are continuing to provide assistance in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City.
The voices of local organizations that Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) accompanies and supports are introduced in the "Voices from the Field" tab of this program page, please take a look!

Local groups working to strengthen disaster preparedness in areas hit by torrential rain in western Japan

3rd August 2021

In JPF's support for those affected by the torrential rains in western Japan, member NGOs are continuing their support in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City.
Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku, which Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is supporting as a companion, is focusing on capacity building to enhance the disaster preparedness of the community, in addition to implementing events in salon activities.

Click here for a report on Aruku.

Three Years After Torrential Rain in Western Japan

6th July 2021

Three years have passed since the occurrence of the torrential rains in western Japan, and a memorial service for the victims was held in Kurashiki City, which suffered tremendous damage.
JPF member NGOs continue to provide companionship and support to local organizations in Mabi Town, which was the hardest hit area in Kurashiki City. We have also conducted disaster prevention training to strengthen the resilience of the community and prepare for disasters.
We will continue to provide support to the local community while taking into consideration the prevention of covid-19 infection.

Click here for NHK news on three years of torrential rain in western Japan (in Japanese)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210706/k10013121811000.html

Community Revitalization and Disaster Prevention Training in Mabi Town by PBV

27th June 2021

Peace Boat Disaster Relief Center (PBV), a JPF member NGO, has extended its project period until the end of September 2021 and is continuing its support project in Mabi-town, Kurashiki City.

In mid-May, a state of emergency was declared in Okayama Prefecture due to the spread of the new coronavirus, so the training and other activities that could not be carried out will be rescheduled.

PWJ Continues to Provide Accompanying Support to Local Organizations

30th May 2021 16:30

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), a JPF member NGO, has extended its support project in Mabi-town, Kurashiki City, an area affected by the torrential rains in western Japan, until September 30 to continue its companionship support to local organizations.

They are supporting events and salon activities of local groups such as "Kawabe Fukko Project Aruku" and "Disaster Relief Group Gorilla".

Closing of "Mabishare" operated by PBV and others

22nd April 2021 14:23

Disaster Relief Network Okayama and JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) jointly set up the "Mabi Recovery Volunteer Organization/NPO Share Office (Mabishare)" in June 2019. Last month, the closing ceremony was held with online participation.

JPF's emergency response to western Japan floods will extend its program period until the end of March 2022, and will continue its efforts to improve the resilience of the region. The new program will be introduced on this program page and other pages.

Click here for the article on PBV

Program Term Extension

27th March 2021 21:00

During the fiscal year 2020 of the JPF Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods Program, whose term had been extended until the end of March 2021, member NGOs have continued to closely support local organizations in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.

However, as the new coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of salon activities as well as delays in construction work on rivers and waterways, JPF has decided to extend the program term once again until 31 March 2022. The term extension will allow us to continue to establish a system of support provision among local NPOs and to work on improving the resilience of the community. We will provide regular updates on our assistance in the region on our website and social media pages.

Yellow Sashes

22nd February 2021 11:00

As part of JPF's Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods, our member NGO is continuing to provide close support to a local organization in the town of Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.

Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku, a local organization supported by Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), is working to make sure no resident in the Kawabe area of Mabi is left behind when people must evacuate in the event of another disaster. Thy are distributing yellow sashes that residents can hang on their front doors to signify to neighbors that the entire household has safely evacuated from that house.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been restrictions on salon activities (mutual support groups and get-togethers, often over tea, for those affected by disasters). We will continue to provide support while giving the utmost consideration to infection prevention.

PBV’s Community Building Training

19th January 2021 11:00

• Disaster preparedness training in Mabi (conducted in November 2020) ©PBV

As part of the JPF program, JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is supporting community revitalization in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, through improving the main and branch community centers and providing disaster preparedness training.

In the Okada district of Mabi where many residents have rebuilt their homes and returned, a disaster preparedness training was held in early November last year. PBV is working with the residents to create an environment where they can live in the community with a peace of mind.

In the implementation of the project, PBV gives thorough consideration to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus and is making every effort to ensure that people take their temperature, disinfect with alcohol, wear masks, and keep an appropriate distance from each other.

Creating and Disseminating Parent-Child Disaster Prevention Booklet

1st December 2020 18:00

• Kawabe district, which was flooded (photo taken in July 2019)

JPF member NGO Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is currently implementing a project to assist in the community rebuilding efforts in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, to support those who were affected by the torrential rain and subsequent flooding in western Japan in 2019.

At this time, Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku, a local organization closely supported by PWJ, has created a disaster prevention parent-child booklet, and it was picked up by the media. The parent-child booklet is intended for parents raising children, a population likely to be vulnerable in the event of  disasters. PWJ also supported the dissemination of this booklet outside of Mabi.

PBV's Assistance in Mabi

21st November 2020 8:00

As part of the JPF program, JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is supporting community revitalization in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, through improving the main and branch community centers and providing disaster preparedness training.

In Mabi, the main and branch community centers were damaged by the floods and the residents were unable to carry out community events and cultural classes that they used to hold for each other before disaster struck. PBV will be measuring the effectiveness of their efforts in providing the main and branch community centers with supplies including home appliances, children's educational materials, stationery, and office supplies to date in order to see how they have contributed to the rebuilding of residents' lives and communities.

PBV also plans to conduct training to build a safer community to live in for the residents. There will be lectures and operational training on topics including evacuation center operations that take into account measures against the spread of COVID-19.

PWJ's Community Rebuilding Assistance

31st October 2020 18:00

As part of the JPF program, JPF member NGO Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is currently implementing a project to support community rebuilding in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and surrounding disaster-affected areas.

In Mabi, where the damages were severe, about half of the community meeting spaces were damaged. Furniture, electrical appliances, and other equipment necessary for those spaces to function were damaged, and it has been difficult to continue events and salon activities. In addition, due to the changes in the living environment caused by the disaster, there is a lack of places for local residents to gather.

Through providing equipment and support for events and salon activities hosted by local organizations in Mabi, PWJ is supporting the maintenance and continuation of the local community and the creation of a neighborhood where people can continue to live with peace of mind. For example, Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku, a local organization supported by PWJ, regularly holds yoga classes in a format where they take thorough measures against new coronavirus infections. In fact, this has become a popular event among participants.

PBV’s Training Project

29th September 2020 23:30

JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is conducting a training project as part of the JPF program that aims for community revitalization in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, through improving the main and branch community centers and providing disaster preparedness training. PBV’s training project intends to create a space for residents to exchange information in order to prepare for future disasters, rebuild their lives after the flooding, and to think about the community so that they can build up Mabi as a community in which everyone can feel safe and at ease.

When PBV conducted needs assessment through interviewing the residents, they found out that the residents wanted training on evacuation shelters that included basic lectures, implementation, and drills, as well as training on how to best respond to future disasters that takes into account the new coronavirus pandemic. PBV will continue to make preparations for the implementation of the training.

Valuable Means of Transportation Running Through Mabi

16th August 2020 21:00

• Elevated Ibara Railway tracks in the distance

I have mentioned several times on Facebook and in our other updates that last July, exactly one year after the torrential rain in western Japan, we JPF staff visited the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, that had sustained serious damages from the flooding. Organizing photos taken from Soul Home-Visit Nursing Station where we were visiting then, I noticed one picture taken from a second-floor window. I couldn’t remember what exactly was intended in this photo right away, but looking back on what we discussed with people at Soul, it seems that I was trying to take a picture of the elevated railway line in the background.

I remember hearing at the time that there were some people who took shelter on the elevated tracks to escape the flooding when the town was flooded. I didn't pay any more attention to this story at the time, but when I researched it again, I found out that this was an elevated section of the Ibara Line, a local railway line operated by the local railway company Ibara Railway, that connects Soja City in Okayama Prefecture to Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Ibara Line had stopped operating when the torrential rain and subsequent flooding devastated the area, but it was gradually restored, section by section, and two months later, the entire line had resumed operation. Today, the railway continues to serve as a valuable means of transportation for the local people.

By the way, Ibara Railway is selling a “Kumagawa Railway Restoration Ticket Set” to support the Kumagawa Railway in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, which had to stop operation due to the torrential rain in Kyushu this July. All proceeds (excluding consumption tax and administrative expenses) are donated to the Kumagawa Railway. Both railway companies are ‘third-sector’ (public-private partnership) railways, and they have both experienced flooding damages. I hope that Ibara Railway’s support will help the recovery of Kumagawa Railway and the areas affected by the July 2020 floods in Kyushu.

Click here for more information about Ibara Railway's support for Kumagawa Railway: https://www.ibara-railway.co.jp/news/news-724/

Two years have passed since the Western Japan Floods

6th July 2020 23:00

• Kumano Shrine in the town of Mabi, which served as an evacuation center

It has been two years since the Western Japan Floods hit. We express our condolences to those who lost their loved ones, and offer our deepest sympathies to all who were affected.

To this date, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), both of which are member NGOs of Japan Platform (JPF), are helping communities recover in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki.

We will continue to deliver aid that is closely tailored to local needs, while taking precautions to protect against COVID-19.

Revitalizing the Community in the Town of Mabi

29th June 2020 13:30

• *Photo from visit to Mabi in July 2019

JPF member NGO Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) has been continuing its community revitalization project since late May of this year in the town of Mabi, Kurashiki City, where they have worked closely with a local organization since right after the flooding occurred in 2018. While being careful to prevent the spread of COVID-19, PWJ has been supporting the local disaster relief organization Gorilla reopen its café and the Riverside Revitalization Project Aruku (Kawabe Fukko Project Aruku) host their online events.

Revitalizing the Community in the Town of Mabi

25th May 2020 19:30

• Farming equipment provided ©PBV
• Cooking equipment provided ©PBV

JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is working towards community revitalization in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, through improving the main and branch community centers and providing disaster preparedness training. During the months of March and April, PBV provided equipment as part of the improvement project for the main and branch community centers. Disaster preparedness training, on the other hand, is being postponed due to COVID-19. We sincerely hope that the spread of COVID-19 will come to a halt soon so that aid projects can resume in the communities affected by the flooding that are moving towards full reconstruction.

Making the Playground Safer in Mabi

27th April 2020 19:30

JPF member NGO Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) introduces you to a disaster relief organization called Gorilla*, which has been active in the town of Mabi (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) that sustained serious damages in the Western Japan floods. [*Gorilla had reported on their activities at the Disaster Relief Network Okayama’s joint reporting session in Okayama City on 7th July 2019, and JPF staff was fortunate to have heard their reporting then.]

As the state of emergency declaration continues to be in effect due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), a Gorilla member is taking the time to carefully disinfect playground equipment such as jungle gyms and swings. As Mabi proceeds on its way to full recovery from the floods, we hope that the effects of COVID-19 will be kept to a minimum.

PWJ’s report can be read here.

Extending the Program Duration

21st March 2020 20:00

JPF has decided to extend the program duration of our Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods, giving consideration to the continued needs in the affected regions. (Decision made on 5th March)

Program Duration: 9th October 2018 - 31st March 2021
(*Originally intended to end on 31st March 2020, it has been extended to 31st March 2021.)

We will continue to post updates on our member NGOs’ relief projects on social media and on our website.

Bidding Farewell to the Trailer House

16th February 2020 11:00

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As part of JPF’s response to the Western Japan floods, JPF member NGOs Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) are continuing their relief activities in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. SOUL, a nonprofit organization in Kurashiki for which PWJ has provided hands-on support, has had to say goodbye to the trailer house that has been used in hot meal distributions and meetings since after the flood. As JPF staff, we remember fondly the chat we had in this trailer house back in July of last year when we visited Mabi. The trailer will be transported to Saga Prefecture, and we hope that it will continue to serve well as a space for respite there, too.

Read about SOUL here: http://bit.ly/2tVJIRL

Community Care System in Mabi, Kurashiki

27th January 2020 12:58

With over a year having passed since the Western Japan floods, JPF member NGOs Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) are each carrying out projects in the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. PBV is implementing “Community Revitalization through Improvement of Main and Branch Community Centers and Disaster Preparedness,” while PWJ’s project is “Support for Local Organizations with Salon Activities and Events as a Community Reconstruction Effort.”

For a local nonprofit organization SOUL, for which PWJ has provided hands-on support and with whom JPF visited July last year, it has been a year since they returned to their Mabi office from their temporary office in Soja City. On the other hand, we have heard about other offices and businesses that could not be revived and had to be shut down. In Mabi, there has also been a Comprehensive Community Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Conference to discuss the future of the community care system.

SOUL’s Facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/soul.mabi8/

Home-Visit Nursing Organization in Western Japan Flood Affected Okayama Visit Affected Community in Nagano

5th December 2019 21:30

Staff members from Soul Home-Visit Nursing Station, a nonprofit home care nursing organization in Mabi (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) in the community affected by the 2018 Western Japan floods, visited the disaster affected community in Nagano. JPF staff had the opportunity to speak with Soul Home-Visit Nursing Station staff earlier this year in July. Residents in Nagano felt as if their emotional burdens were lifted by talking with the visiting staff.

Community Revitalization Projects in Mabi, Kurashiki

29th November 2019 19:30

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Over a year has passed since the western Japan floods, but JPF member NGOs are continuing to engage in community revitalization work in the areas severely affected by the floods. In the town of Mabi in Kurashiki City, Okayama prefecture, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is working towards community revitalization through improving the main and branch community centers and providing disaster preparedness training. Meanwhile, Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is supporting local organizations with their salon activities and events to assist in community reconstruction efforts.

It is our hope that community revitalization will prompt improvements in the general environment of the community so that the residents can help each other and that the evacuees can return to live in Mabi again.

A Mabi NPO That Experienced the Western Japan Floods Is Offering Assistance After Typhoon Hagibis

29th October 2019 22:00

A nonprofit organization in the town of Mabi, Kurashiki City (of Okayama Prefecture) had gone through the Western Japan Floods of July 2018. Now, they have extended a helping hand at an evacuation shelter in Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, which has been affected by Typhoon Hagibis. Mainichi Shimbun newspaper’s local edition reported that the NPO served hot meals at the shelter.

This disaster relief organization called Gorilla was actively and energetically reporting on their activities at the Disaster Relief Network Okayama’s “Joint Reporting Session for Civic Organizations’ 1-Year Support for the July 2018 Floods.” JPF staff also took part in this reporting session, which was held in Okayama City on July 7 of this year.

The problem of moving out of temporary housing units and public-funded private rental accomodations in Ehime Prefecture

25th September 2019 23:00
The vacation deadline for emergency temporary housing is a big problem for people living in temporary housing units and public-funded private rental accommodations in Ehime Prefecture. Carefully tailored aid continues to be needed to rebuild the lives of the affected people.

Typhoon Krosa makes landfall near the city of Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture; Fear of record rainfall (Tweet from NHK Seikatsu-Bosai)

15th August 2019 16:41
Large Typhoon Krosa made landfall near the city of Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture around 3 PM. Rain clouds that have developed far from the eye are causing intermittent, very heavy rain. There is a possibility of record rainfall in regions in Shikoku and Kii Peninsula.
See here for Tweet from NHK Seikatsu-Bosai

A year passed since the Western Japan Floods: JPF attends meeting held by Saigai Sien Network Okayama (Disaster Relief Network Okayama)

16th July 2019 22:00

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Japan Platform (JPF) staff members visited the town of Mabi during the morning of July 7, and observed the Oda River levee that burst a year ago. Afterwards, they went back to the city of Okayama and attended a meeting in the afternoon held by Saigai Sien Network Okayama (Disaster Relief Network Okayama) titled “The Joint Public-Private Report on One Year of Aid for the July 2018 Flooding.” It was a very valuable opportunity for us to hear from many local organizations, as we also have a program to assist those affected by the West Japan Flooding. This meeting was held in a community space called Hashtag inside Brunch Okayama Kitanagase, a complex that just opened in front of Kitanagase Station, which is just one station away from Okayama Station. From the venue, we could hear children squealing and playing in the water foundation inside the premises, as 18 participating organizations reported on their activities from when the disaster hit to now.
180 organizations participate in Saigai Shien Network Okayama and only a handful presented their reports at the event. However, the content was wide in variety, ranging from flood rescue using boats, distribution of material aid, running a volunteer center and providing first aid, assisting children, assisting mothers, relieving the stress of affected people by administering moxibustion, acupuncture and massages, cleaning photos full of memories, and providing legal counseling. It was very clear that they have carried out various types of assistance that is tailored to the needs of the affected people. Many organizations also mentioned other organizations in their reports, which highlighted the connection and cooperation among local organizations.
We thank members of participating organizations for their valuable reports. In between reports, Saigai Sien Network Okayama’s motto, “Ame nochi hare no kuni Okayama yappari harerude! (Okayama, the land of sunshine after rain, will shine at the end!),” was shown in large letters on the screen, and we hope that the communities they support will continue to recover exactly as their motto goes.
We also express our gratitude to General Incorporated Foundation Kuraray Foundation for accompanying us throughout the busy day, from visiting Mabi to attending the meeting. We hope that you will continue to support our programs.

A year has passed since the Western Japan Floods: JPF staff visit the town of Mabi

10th July 2019 22:00

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July 7th was an extremely hot and sunny day during the rainy season in Japan. On this day, Japan Platform (JPF) staff visited the town of Mabi in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, which was severely affected by the flooding that occurred a year ago. On the ground, JPF member NGO Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)　has been carrying out a JPF-funded program to rebuild the community, and we visited Soul Houmon Kango Station (Soul Visiting Nursing Station), a local organization that they are supporting. General Incorporated Foundation Kuraray Foundation, which made donations to our programs, joined us on our visit, and we heard from people on the ground together.
At Soul Houmon Kango Station, we heard from Director Kataoka and others involved about the various difficulties that they encountered after the disaster hit. They told us about the damage from the flooding, how seniors who couldn’t move were rescued, and evacuation at the shrine. We also learned about disaster recovery efforts as well as support from the town of Minamisanriku and the exchange and bond formed between the two communities.
There were also a couple dozen people visiting from Kochi Prefecture, where significant damage is expected if a Nankai megathrust earthquake hits. Professor Kambara of the University of Kochi, who was leading the group, is originally from Mabi, and we found that she was involved in creating Mabi Care, an informational website that strives to support recovery in Mabi.
Our stay was only a couple hours long, but we were able to visit the shrine that served as an evacuation center, attend a meeting to listen to reports and watch a video about efforts made by a local organization, hear the first performance of a song written to support Mabi, and we were even treated to a delicious lunch. We hope that members of the community will continue to have the opportunity to gather, share a meal and laugh together every Sunday, and that it will support the recovery of the community.
We express our sincere gratitude to the members of Soul Houmon Kango Station for welcoming us at their office, the PWJ representative on the ground for helping us coordinate our schedules and taking us around, and the visitors from Kochi Prefecture for joining us on our visit.

Western Japan Floods: The path to recovery for mandarin orange farmers

27th June 2019 23:00
ETV Special Program Mikan no Hana ga Saku Tani de: Gouu kara Ichinen, Noukatachi no Jijyoden (In the Valley where Mandarin Orange Flowers Bloom: A Memoir of the Farmers in the Year After the Floods), a documentary aired on NHK, focuses on the mandarin orange farmers in Ehime who were affected by the West Japan Floods over the year that followed.
The West Japan Floods that hit the region last July devastated the home of the Ehime mandarin oranges. The program follows the internal struggles and decisions of the farmers as they recover from the disaster.
▼See here for details on the NHK ETV Special Program
https://www4.nhk.or.jp/etv21c/x/2019-06-29/31/34797/2259666/

“Global Report on Internal Displacement” Published: Issues Surrounding At-Home Evacuees Mentioned

16th May 2019 3:30

In response to the request for input from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC), JPF contributed to the write-up on the challenges faced in Japan during disaster evacuations. Our input was incorporated into a report on Japan (pp. 30-31) in the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2019 (GRID 2019) published on 10th May.

We had especially frequent disasters in Japan in 2018, and the Western Japan floods were mentioned in this report as an example of where the issues concerning “at-home evacuees” became visible. In fact, JPF is clearly cited as an information source. (Please see endnote no. 144 on p. 109.)

Through these efforts of ours such as the information shared with IDMC, we sincerely hope that these issues that arose in disaster response in Japan would gain international recognition and lead to the sharing of experiences, and that the lessons learned would be effective in future emergencies elsewhere.

GRID2019, which is in English, can be downloaded here: http://www.internal-displacement.org/global-report/grid2019/

Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods: Mabi Branch of the Kurashiki City Hall Fully Restored - Serving as a Symbol of Reconstruction [Mainichi Shimbun Newspaper]

2nd April 2019 23:00

The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported that after nine months since last July’s Western Japan floods devastated the region, the Mabi branch of the Kurashiki City Hall (in Okayama Prefecture) has been fully restored. At the time of the disaster, the ground floor of the Mabi branch had been completely flooded due to the torrential rain. Starting in August of last year, they consolidated all of the departmental functions to the second floor and proceeded with their city services there. Now that the restoration work has been almost fully completed on the ground floor, the branch office resumed their full services throughout the building.

Until now, applications for public funds for the demolition of flooded homes were accepted at the main city hall, but it can now be accepted on the ground floor of the Mabi branch. This enables greater access for the elderly and those with mobility challenges. At the ceremony to commemorate the full restoration, Kurashiki City Mayor Kaori Ito stated that it is their “hope that the restoration of the branch will be a symbol for this first year of the city’s reconstruction.” A woman who visited the branch office also was hopeful, saying, “Mabi is still dark at night and it would probably take some time to fully recover, but we are moving forward one step at a time, and my wish is that we return to the lively Mabi that we had before.”

Find the Mainichi Shimbun article here: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20190401/k00/00m/040/064000c

Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods: JPF Member NGO PBV Saving Memories

5th March 2019 19:30

As a JPF grant project, JPF member NGO Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is helping preserve photographs of those who were affected by the Western Japan floods, in addition to their ongoing efforts to clean up the homes.

As temporary housing units have been constructed and the residents’ living conditions are changing, a volunteer group called “Mabicho Shashin Senjo @ Araiguma Okayama (which means Mabi town photo cleansing at Araiguma Okayama)” was launched to help save the residents’ photographs. To respond to the requests to salvage tens of thousands of flood-damaged photographs, PBV is helping with the restoration efforts. They are recruiting volunteers in Mabi as well.

Read PBV’s report here: https://pbv.or.jp/blog/?p=22909

Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods: JPF Member NGO BHN Hosting Computer Training Trial Events at Common Rooms in Temporary Housing Complexes

4th February 2019 20:00

As a JPF grant project, JPF member NGO Telecom For Basic Human Needs (BHN) hosted computer training trial events in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, at the Yasuura Emergency Temporary Housing Complex in the town of Yasuura and at the Tenno Emergency Temporary Housing Complex in the Tenno Ohama District.

At the time of the flooding, the levees breaking and the rivers overflowing not only cost precious lives of residents but also damaged houses, commercial facilities, and factories. Many evacuees are still living in temporary housing. These computer training events were received very favorably among the participants, and the local municipal government employees commented that they would “certainly like the event to continue to take place in the future.”

Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods: Donations from the Kuraray Foundation - Towards Reconstruction Led by Those Affected by the Disaster

24th January 2019 19:00

In December 2018, JPF received a donation from the Kuraray Foundation to support our emergency response to Western Japan floods. Kuraray Foundation has a unique policy for donations as they acknowledge that “communities affected by disasters will receive ample external funds right after natural disasters occur, but when the same communities enter the vital phase where their residents must autonomously support their own reconstruction, funds would start to fall low.” Hence the Foundation supports efforts at this reconstruction phase, and the donation made at this time was in line with this policy and given in support of the aims of JPF’s response to Western Japan floods.

At JPF, we decided last October that the response program to Western Japan floods would entail supporting efforts taken on by the people affected by the floods themselves as they worked towards reconstruction. More specifically, the response program 1) supports local intermediary support organizations that serve as the hub of local NPOs, and 2) works in partnership among JPF, its member NGOs, local NPOs, and the local governments on supporting evacuees who are prone to isolation. We are pleased that this donor has shown their support of these objectives through their generous gift.

Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods: JPF Member NGO AAR Japan Supporting Local Welfare Facilities - Restoring Security and Relief to the Local Community

12th January 2019 22:00

As a JPF grant project, JPF member NGO AAR Japan is continuing to provide support to social welfare facilities in Okayama, Ehime, and Hiroshima prefectures that have been affected by the Western Japan floods in July last year. These facilities had been generally overlooked by other relief efforts when assistance was initially provided right after the flooding happened.

In Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, AAR Japan has provided desks, chairs, and bookshelves that were necessary to resume operations at the Mabi Community Life Support Center, which is operated by a social welfare organization called Link. This center runs a salon and its staff has noted, “With the support we received at this time, we could replace the desks and chairs we had with the newly purchased ones of perfect height that let us see eye to eye with children when we sit and talk with them. This allows for easier consultations with those who come to us.”

For an NPO called Yasuragi in the Yasuura district of Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, AAR provided two vehicles, one in September and one in November last year. These replaced the vehicles that used to be used to pick up and to drop off clients that had been washed away in the torrential rain in July. Ms. Kimiyo Matsushige, the representative of Yasuragi, has said, “Because we were provided with large vehicles to use for our pick-ups and drop-offs, we can now save a lot more time with the drives and consequently spend more time with our facility users. In spring, we hope to be able to use the vehicles to take everybody to cherry blossom viewing.”

Read AAR Japan’s article here: https://www.aarjapan.gr.jp/activity/report/2018/1221_2678.html

[Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods] PBV, a JPF Member NGO, Hosts Sports Day at Evacuation Shelter

October 15, 17:50

• ©PBV
• ©PBV
• ©PBV

As part of JPF's Emergency Response to Japan Floods program, Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV), a JPF member NGO, is supporting the management of an evacuation shelter in one affected community. Even with three months passing and some evacuees moving out and into their new homes, there are many others who continue to live at the shelter. To make their wish for "all of us doing something together" come true, this evacuation shelter held a Sports Day.

With the evacuees' help from the preparation stage of the event, PBV was able to host a Sports Day filled with excitement and with involvement from adult participants who are usually out and about during the day. One participant noted, "Worries about the future have weighed me down, but I am glad I could leave all of the gloominess behind at least during this Sports Day."

[Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods] Respite Space Completed at Evacuation Center!

September 11, 19:00

• ©PBV

Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center (PBV), a Japan Platform (JPF) member NGO, set up a Respite Space at Okada Elementary School in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, which has been turned into an evacuation shelter since the beginning of the Western Japan floods.

Due to overcrowding, this shelter previously had no space for the evacuees to interact with each other. This new Respite Space serves as a place of comfort for the evacuees who still live in the shelter. Some of the comments heard from the evacuees were "The shelter has brightened up! I really wanted something like this," or "I am so happy to be able to eat my meal at a table," and many people indeed are using this space.
JPF and member NGOs will continue to bring assistance to those who are in need but are hard to reach.

US JETAA supporting Japan Platform's Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods

8月25日 12：00

Thank you so much US JETAA! We greatly appreciate your warm support. We are making sure to deliver your deep thoughts to the people there in terms of their real needs with our member NGOs. Thank you again!!!

▼JPF's Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods
http://www.japanplatform.org/E/programs/westernjapan-disaster2018.html

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We are happy to report that USJETAA has raised $7,508 USD for the Japan Platform's recovery efforts in western Japan. This week we sent funds we received for a total of $5,927 USD remitted to Japan Platform, which includes all of the funds so far remitted to our bank account from the donation site, minus the wire transfer fees. We are now consulting with the U.S. Embassy in Japan to determine the best place to donate the remaining funds for long-term relief efforts. We will keep you posted! Though the campaign is now closed, we can still take donations for western Japan relief by selecting that donation designation on our main fundraising page: https://usjetaa.networkforgood.com/

[Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods] "What We Can Do Now" Yuko Shibata, JPF Emergency Response Division General Manager, Interviewed on J-WAVE

August 15, 19:00

• ©JPF

Yuko Shibata, General Manager of the Emergency Response Division at Japan Platform (JPF), was interviewed by Jon Kabira on J-WAVE (JK Radio Tokyo United). A month has passed since the Western Japan floods, but there are still many so-called at-home evacuees (living in relatively unaffected parts of their homes while cleaning up the other parts), and there are other flooding victims who may be elderly or with disabilities and are hard for general relief and assistance to reach. Given these conditions, NGOs, with a wide array of expertise, are in an optimal position to reach these flooding victims and to provide them with hands-on support.

JPF and many other relief organizations are reporting their activities and information about the affected communities through their websites, Facebook pages, and reporting sessions. If you have the urge to help those affected by the floods but cannot make the time to physically go there, don't forget that it can serve as one way to support the survivors by remaining interested and following the updates!

[Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods] First Information Sharing Conference Held in Uwajima: 50 Participants Exchanged Opinions [*This article originally appeared in Japanese in the local Ehime Shimbun newspaper.]

August 13, 23:00

In the city of Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, which suffered significant damages due to the Western Japan floods, an information sharing conference was held. This was a first attempt of its kind for a city. Japan Platform (JPF) and Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD) reached out to local social welfare councils and relief organizations to participate in the event.

During the conference, relief providers exchanged opinions and listed the evacuees' requests and challenges according to topics, such as assistance for volunteer centers or evacuation center management. They then organized the information gathered through putting stickers on the local map. "Equipment needed for extracurricular activities at school has been damaged in the flood and students are not able to fully engage in these activities any more" and "Elderly survivors are holding back on receiving assistance" were some of the points raised on that day.

The event proved fruitful as it shed light on the unattended needs in their communities and the importance of responding to them, thanks to the discussion being limited to the city and participants being able to delve deeper into the issues specific to their communities. For further details from this event, please refer to the article in Ehime Shimbun (in Japanese):
https://www.ehime-np.co.jp/article/news201808120029

At JPF, we build on our experiences and lessons learned from overseas assistance provision as well as responses to the Great East Japan and Kumamoto earthquakes, work with local governments, social welfare councils, and member NGOs who provide assistance on the ground, and provide hands-on support to those in need by strengthening collaborations and information sharing among relief providers and matching corporate support with local needs.

Supporting affected people of the Western Japan floods: The Kenyan government has gifted 2 tons of Tea. The same will be delivered as a considerate gesture from Kenya.

8 August, 18:00

The Kenyan Government has gifted 2 tons of teas for the affected people of the Western Japan heavy rainfall and floods. The presentation ceremony was held on August 1 at the Okayama prefecture tokyo office in a friendly environment.

Today, the teas have delivered to the affected areas and peoples with warmly hearts from Kenya.

Supporting affected people of the Western Japan floods: The Kenyan government has gifted 2 tons of Tea. The same will be delivered as a considerate gesture from Kenya.

2nd August, 22:00

• ©JPF
• ©JPF
• ©JPF
• ©JPF
• ©JPF

The Kenyan Government has gifted 2 tons of teas for the affected people of the Western Japan floods. The presentation ceremony was held on August 1 at the Okayama prefecture tokyo office in a friendly environment.

At the presentation ceremony, the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya Mr. S.K. Maina, M.B.S sympathized with the affected people of the Japan floods. Subsequently, Mr.Ichiro Aisawa, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives in the diet and chairman of the Japan-Africa Union Parliamentary Friendship League, born and brought up in Okayama prefecture, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Japan Government to Kenyan Government and JPF for delivering the gifted teas. Nobuhisa Iida, the Executive Director of Japan Platform, promised to deliver the teas to the affected areas as the considerate gesture of Kenya. Additionally, Mr.Junichi Hosono, Principal Deputy Director Second Africa Division of the Foreign Ministry's African department, commented that this gift symbolizes friendship between Japan and Africa, with a deep appreciation.

JPF is currently associating with Okayama prefecture disaster countermeasures office, Uwajima grandma (U.grandma), the local support group, and the JPF member NGO, Peace Boat disaster volunteer center, for adjusting delivery and organizing the warehouse. On August 3, we have plans to assort goods with the JPF student volunteer at the Kenyan Embassy in Japan.

We hope the teas with the warm heart of the Kenyans bring a relieving time for the evacuated people and the ones working for the disaster response! Please look forward for them to be delivered in the affected areas.

JPF Website
https://www.japanplatform.org/E/info/003251.html

US JETAA supporting Japan Platform's Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods

26 July, 7:45

• ©JPF
• ©JPF
• ©JPF

Thank you US JETAA , we greatly appreciate your warm support. We are making sure to deliver your deep thoughts to the people there in terms of their real needs with our member NGO's. Thank you so much again!
https://www.facebook.com/USJETAA.org/posts/613216712394328

▼JPF's Emergency Response to Western Japan Floods
http://www.japanplatform.org/E/programs/westernjapan-disaster2018.html

https://usjetaa.networkforgood.com/projects/55620-western-japan-flood-relief

Japan Platform Mr. KOMINO Co-chairperson went to the affected field by Western Japan Flood

24th July, 23:00

• ©JPF

Japan Platform Co-chair person, Mr. KOMINO visited to the affected areas in Okayama. He describes the impacts on the areas and affected peoples.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=715707118760460&id=100009635345452

Japan Platform Mr. KOMINO Co-chairperson went to the affected field by Western Japan Flood

24 July, 7:30

• ©JPF
• ©JPF

JPF Co-chair person, Mr.KOMINO went to the affected fields in Okayama. He met one of the elderry person and, sharing her story.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=715945352069970&id=100009635345452

15th July, 23:04

Thank you US JETAA , we greatly appreciate your kind support. We sincerely hope all of your members are in safe.
Also, honor to have JCIE's (Japan Center for International Exchange) mention about us and their great cooperation as follows.

We will make sure to deliver your warm support to the affected areas through our responses. Thank you again!

JPF's "Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods"
http://www.japanplatform.org/E/programs/westernjapan-disaster2018.html

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If you would like to help those affected by the devastating flooding in western Japan, please click below.

Funds collected through the US JET Alumni Association will go to Japan Platform, an excellent organization of NGOs that JCIE worked with following the Tohoku disater. You can be assured that your donation will have the maximum possible impact to help the victims.

https://www.facebook.com/USJETAA.org/photos/a.197389517310385.1073741828.195752144140789/602595256789807/?type=3&theater

Western Japan Floods : 5,000 people in 16 prefectures were staying at evacuation shelters

15th July, 14:54

Japan Platform has mobilized the "Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods" in response to the record-breaking torrential rain through cooperating with other NGOs members.

NHK has reported that
・The number of deaths has reached 201.
・about 5,000 people in 16 prefectures were staying at evacuation shelters.
・about 203,000 households were still without running water.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180714_15/

Japan flood: At least 179 dead after worst weather in decades - BBC NEWS

11th July, 22:15

"Japan is still reeling from one of its worst flooding disasters in decades, which has killed at least 179 people and left 70 missing (BBC NEWS)".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44790193

Japan platform have launched our "Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods" program to support the affected people in need. Thank you much for your support!

▼Please check JPF's "Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods"　(English)
http://www.japanplatform.org/E/programs/westernjapan-disaster2018.html

Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods

9th July, 22:21

Japan Platform has launched our English webpage of "Emergency Response to the Western Japan Floods". Thank you for your support!

http://www.japanplatform.org/E/programs/westernjapan-disaster2018.html

Death toll hits 62 as western Japan braces for more heavy rain - Asahi shimbun

8th July, 18:23
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201807080023.html

Japan Platform emergency assessment team has been launched in order to provide relief in accordance with the conditions and the needs on the ground.