A Kobe municipal employee, Masayuki Fujisawa, aims to improve disaster preparedness in his hometown after experiencing the devastation of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Having volunteered as a support worker, he emphasizes the need for concrete preparedness measures, leveraging his personal history with the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. With a commitment to community support, he plans to implement insights garnered from his recent experiences.
In Suzu, Ishikawa, a dedicated employee from Kobe City has pledged to share his significant experiences gained from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake to enhance disaster preparedness in his hometown. Masayuki Fujisawa, a 30-year-old public relations official dispatched to the beleaguered region following the quake, aims to convey the urgency surrounding disaster readiness. Growing up amidst the legacy of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which he narrowly missed, he has been profoundly impacted by the narratives of destruction shared by his parents.
After completing his tenure in the private sector, Fujisawa joined Kobe City in 2022. Following the catastrophic Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, he volunteered for a year-long assignment to provide support to affected areas. The devastation he encountered was startling, with approximately 3,800 structures damaged or destroyed by the quake and subsequent tsunami. During this time, Fujisawa recalled a poignant conversation with his father about the enduring impact of such catastrophes.
As a public relations officer in Suzu, he has taken on various responsibilities, including updating the city’s website, managing information dissemination regarding victim support programs, and contributing to local media productions. Colleagues in Suzu have recognized his efforts, acknowledging the significant contributions he has made during his tenure. On what marked the final day of work in 2024, he personally delivered newsletters to residents in temporary housing facilities, exemplifying his commitment to community engagement.
This January will see Fujisawa celebrate his 30th birthday, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. He emphasizes the need for effective disaster preparedness and aims to use the insights he has gleaned to foster a more informed and proactive approach in Kobe. “Even though people know that preparedness is important, few are able to get ready with a concrete image in mind,” he stated, illustrating the challenges that remain in disaster readiness education.
The narrative highlights the experiences of Masayuki Fujisawa, a municipal employee from Kobe who, after witnessing the aftermath of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, seeks to influence disaster preparedness efforts in his hometown, Kobe. His background is steeped in the legacy of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which profoundly shapes his vision for community resilience and disaster readiness. The context surrounding Fujisawa’s journey reflects the broader challenges municipalities face when responding to natural disasters, particularly concerning worker shortages and the need for mid- to long-term support staff to aid recovery.
Masayuki Fujisawa’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness in Kobe following his experiences in Noto underscores the critical importance of community engagement and education in averting future crises. His insights and reflections serve as a reminder that while awareness of disaster risks is prevalent, actionable preparedness remains a significant challenge. Through his dedicated efforts and the lessons learned, there is hope for a more resilient approach to disaster management in Kobe.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
