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fukai

Understanding and Preparing for Earthquake Risks in Japan: The Recent Seismic Activities

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On January 9th at 17:59, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the Chuetsu area of Niigata Prefecture. This event occurred near the location of the January 1st earthquake off the Noto Peninsula but originated from a different active fault.

Currently, a series of swarm earthquakes are being observed in Niigata Prefecture. Experts indicate that movement in one active fault can trigger activity in another nearby fault. In fact, the Noto Peninsula has been experiencing these swarm earthquakes for the past three years. Therefore, experts had anticipated the possibility of a significant earthquake occurring in this region.

The pattern of seismic activities suggests a high likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in the Niigata area soon. Historical data and analysis often show that an increase in small swarm earthquakes can be a precursor to a larger seismic event, suggesting that major earthquakes can, to some extent, be predictable.

The recent seismic activities along the coast of the Sea of Japan are geographically distant from Osaka, presenting no direct issues for the region.

However, it is crucial to note that Osaka is expected to be affected by the “Nankai Trough Earthquake” within the next decade (around 2030-2040). This earthquake is scientifically predicted to occur and could happen at any time. It is anticipated to be of the same magnitude as the Great East Japan Earthquake, including significant tsunamis. Being in a highly urbanized area of Japan (including Osaka, Nagoya, and the Kanto region), the potential damage from this earthquake could be catastrophic.

#EarthquakePreparedness #SeismicActivity #JapanEarthquakes #Niigata #NankaiTrough #NaturalDisasters #CommunitySafety #RiskReduction #CivicAwareness #DisasterPreparedness

Innovative Paper Architecture by Shigeru Ban: A Sustainable Solution for Privacy in Shelters

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Renowned Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban, is pioneering the construction of buildings not from wood, but paper. His paper structures are robust enough to support three-story buildings, meeting the requirements of Japan’s Building Standard Law Article 38.

https://shigerubanarchitects.com/van/

The use of paper in architecture is not only cost-effective but also safer due to its light weight compared to heavy roofing materials. In the current situation in the Noto Peninsula disaster zone, the lack of partitions in shelters has raised significant privacy concerns, particularly for young women.

Ban’s innovative approach is not limited to building structures but extends to creating partitions in shelters, offering a much-needed solution for maintaining privacy.

For those interested in experiencing Ban’s paper architecture firsthand, I recommend visiting his paper-based restaurant on Awaji Island. I think it could be a unique experience to understand the practicality and ingenuity behind this sustainable architectural approach.

#ShigeruBan #SustainableArchitecture #Innovation #DisasterRelief #PaperArchitecture #BuildingStandards #CostEffective #SafetyInDesign #PrivacyInShelters #ArchitecturalSolutions #EcoFriendlyConstruction #JapaneseArchitecture #AwajiIsland

 

Reflecting on the Recent Earthquake Near Shika Nuclear Power Plant

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On January 6th at 23:20, Seismic Intensity of 6 earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture’s Shika town, home to the Shika Nuclear Power Plant. Unlike the real-time coverage during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, there has been a concerning lack of media reporting on the Shika Nuclear Power Plant in this instance.

Currently, the Shika Nuclear Power Plant, which has been inactive since the Fukushima incident, is deemed safer than operational plants. However, even in its dormant state, the cooling of nuclear fuel rods remains crucial. Due to the disruption of access roads, the status of the plant is unclear, and recovery operations in case of an incident seem challenging.

Recent movements have been pushing for the reactivation of the Shika plant. The operator, Hokuriku Electric Power Company, has claimed, “There are no active faults here,” despite the presence of numerous active faults in the surrounding region. Moreover, the Chairman of Keidanren (also the organizer of Expo 2025) recently inspected the plant and advocated for its immediate reactivation, citing its ‘absolute safety’.

The Japanese public is left in a state of disappointment and darkness.

However, I hold hope that Expo 2025 will bring a ray of light. The German Pavilion, for instance, is expected to showcase Europe’s latest energy technologies and policies through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Furthermore, as reported on TV, the Dutch Pavilion plans to introduce advanced renewable energy technologies from the Netherlands.

The Japanese people are currently shrouded in darkness, uninformed and disillusioned.

Through Expo 2025, we eagerly anticipate that Europe’s innovative technologies and progressive policies will educate not only Japan’s ignorant and arrogant government and academia but also enlighten the uninformed Japanese public.

#Expo2025 #IshikawaEarthquake #NuclearSafety #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFuture #GlobalAwareness #Japan #ShikaNuclearPowerPlant #EuropeanInnovation #EnvironmentalPolicy #PublicEnlightenment #ErdbebenJapan #KernkraftwerkShika #Sicherheit #Umweltschutz #Energiepolitik #Japan #DeutschesPavillon #Expo2025Osaka #ErneuerbareEnergie #Deutschland #Niederlande #Nachhaltigkeit #Technologie #Klimaschutz #Energieinnovation #Umwelttechnik #DeutscheTechnologie #JapanischePolitik #Kernenergie #Notfallmanagement #Krisenbewältigung #Energiezukunft #InternationaleZusammenarbeit #Umweltbewusstsein #Energiewende

Celebrating the Professionalism and Dedication of JAL Cabin Crew

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Today I had the privilege of listening to an enlightening talk by Izumi Egami, a former cabin crew member with 30 years of service at Japan Airlines (JAL). Her insights on the successful emergency evacuation of 379 passengers and crew from an aircraft deeply moved me.

While international media, including British newspapers and The New York Times, hailed this evacuation as a ‘miracle’, Ms. Egami respectfully disagreed. She asserted that this success was not a stroke of luck but the result of rigorous training and a strong commitment to passenger safety.

Ms. Egami outlined the key factors contributing to the successful evacuation:

• Bilingual panic control announcements made by the cabin crew.
• The crew’s independent decision to open emergency exits amid flames.
• Directing passengers to leave their belongings behind for a swift evacuation.

BBC highlighted a comment from a British university professor who noted, “Japan boasts an extraordinary record in transportation safety, and JAL is a global leader in safety.” The professor further observed that this incident showcases the extensive training and efficient management of evacuations by cabin crew.

JAL has experienced its share of challenges, including the world’s deadliest aircraft crash in 1985 and bankruptcy in 2010. It is presumed that these events have led to the implementation of stringent safety measures.

In the past, JAL was the most sought-after employer among female students in Japan, with their cabin crew perceived as highly attractive and aspirational figures.

Today, the veteran cabin crew members of JAL, with their exceptional professionalism and warm smiles, continue to embody the allure and grace that have long been associated with the airline.

#JapanAirlines #JAL #AviationSafety #CabinCrew #EmergencyEvacuation #Professionalism #AviationIndustry #CrisisManagement #TransportSafety #AirTravel #CustomerServiceExcellence #AviationHistory #JALCrew #SafetyFirst

The Spirit of ‘KOBE’ – A Testament to Resilience and Solidarity

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In 1995, during the devastating Great Hanshin Earthquake, I experienced a massive quake while in Osaka. Shops and city functions came to a halt, enveloping the streets in an unusual silence.

About a week after the quake, I saw groups of strong-looking men, carrying long poles, walking through the city. They were volunteers who had come from Tokyo and other places. I believe they took time off from their work to come to our aid in Osaka.

A German friend of mine, whose residence was completely destroyed, fortunately survived as he happened to be outside at the time. Tragically, the homeowner passed away.

Remarkably, there was no crime in the disaster area. Instead, there was a spirit of mutual assistance. We refer to this spirit of helping each other as the ‘KOBE’ spirit.

I believe the ‘KOBE’ spirit, born out of those dark days, has become embedded in the DNA of the Japanese people. It’s a spirit that continues to shine in subsequent disaster areas across Japan, symbolizing our resilience and solidarity.

#KobeSpirit #Resilience #Solidarity #Japan #HanshinEarthquake #Volunteerism #CommunitySupport #DisasterRecovery #StrengthInUnity #HelpingHands #TogetherWeStand #EmergencyResponse #HumanitarianAid #CrisisManagement #JapaneseCulture #SurvivalSpirit #Hope #Compassion #MutualSupport
#TurkishVolunteers #Volunteerism #GlobalSolidarity #HumanitarianAid #CommunitySupport #CrossCulturalHelp #InternationalAssistance #HelpingHands #UnityInCrisis #GlobalCompassion #DisasterRelief #InternationalVolunteers #HeartfeltHelp #TurkishAid #WorldwideSupport #CrisisResponse #EmergencyAid #GlobalKindness #HumanityFirst #CompassionateAction

The Timeless Charm of ‘Heidi, Girl of the Alps’ in Japanese Anime

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In 1974, the anime adaptation of “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” was broadcasted weekly on Japanese television, captivating audiences with a remarkable viewership rate of 23%. This indicates that almost every young girl in Japan was tuning in to watch Heidi’s adventures at the same time.

The Japanese anime creators organized a location team to sketch scenes in Switzerland. As a result, the mountain landscapes in the anime mirrored the actual Swiss vistas, evoking a sense of familiarity for those who know the regions well in Switzerland.

Interestingly, the anime featured German songs, adding a unique touch to the cultural blend. Below, I’m sharing one of these songs from the anime, connecting cultures and hearts across borders.

#Heidi #SwissAlps #AnimeHistory #JapaneseCulture #GlobalAnimation #Nostalgia #CulturalHeritage
#HeidiAnime #JapaneseAnimation #CulturalExchange #SwitzerlandInJapan

Japan’s Struggle with Natural Disasters and Its Impact on Construction Standards

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Today, another strong earthquake with a seismic intensity of over 5 struck the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture. This event underlines the fact that Japan is a nation prone to natural disasters, and we all should recognize this reality.

The attached image displays a document created by the Japanese Government’s Cabinet Office. Remarkably, about 18.3% of the total global disaster damage costs are concentrated in Japan.

Due to the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, Japan has established stringent seismic standards for its buildings. These standards mandate the construction of robust structures, implying that significant disaster prevention costs are already incorporated at the building stage.

If appropriate disaster mitigation expenses were not invested during the construction phase, the actual costs of disaster damages would far exceed the current 18.3%.

For everyone involved in construction and disaster prevention in Japan, please understand the high demand for disaster resilience in Japan.

#JapanDisasterPrevention #EarthquakeReadiness #ConstructionSafety #RiskManagement #InfrastructureResilience #BuildingCodes #EngineeringExcellence #NaturalDisasterAwareness #DisasterPrevention #SeismicSafety #Japan #BuildingStandards #InfrastructureSafety

Deep Condolences for the Tragedy of the Niigata Earthquake

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https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240103_02/

I am deeply saddened by the news of the Japan Coast Guard’s accident while transporting emergency supplies for the earthquake victims in Niigata. This adds another layer of tragedy to the disaster Japan is currently facing.

I believe the full extent of the damage, particularly the number of casualties from the Niigata earthquake, is yet to be comprehensively understood by the Japanese government and media. From my experience and memory of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, it took a significant amount of time to grasp the complete scope of the disaster.

At this moment, gathering accurate information about this disaster is of utmost importance.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this calamity and express my deep sympathy to everyone mourning during this difficult time. I hope that we all come together, united and supportive, in this challenging period.

#SolidarityInCrisis #DisasterRecovery #JapanNews #CommunitySupport #SafetyFirst
#NiigataEarthquake #JapanDisasterResponse #EmergencySupport
#DisasterPreparedness #earthquake #seismology #internationalcooperation

 

Regarding Safety Measures for Our Clients in Response to the Recent Earthquake

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In light of the recent seismic activities, I wanted to share some important safety tips for the coming days, as we might expect aftershocks or similar-scale earthquakes.

1. Evacuation Routes: It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and identify nearby parks or public facilities as potential safe spaces to retreat if necessary.
2. Staying Safe Indoors: During strong tremors, it’s crucial to stay still and take cover under a sturdy table or similar safe structure to protect yourself from potential falling debris.
3. Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have easy access to emergency supplies, including a flashlight, spare batteries, a mobile charger, drinking water, non-perishable food items, and a first aid kit.
4. Staying Informed: Keep yourself updated with disaster information in English, either through reliable websites or news channels.
5. Power Outage Preparedness: In case of a power outage, remember that water pumps might not work, affecting toilets’ usability. Filling your bathtub with water can be a helpful contingency measure.

Embracing 2024: A New Year’s Message from Dios Corporation’s CEO Masahiro Fukai

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Happy New Year!

As we usher in 2024, I extend my deepest gratitude for the exceptional support you have shown us last year. We at Dios Corporation are sincerely looking forward to your continued patronage in this new year.

This year, as we gear up for Expo 2025 Osaka, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to provide you with the highest level of service.

I wholeheartedly wish that 2024 will be a year filled with happiness and greatness for all of you.

New Year’s Day, 2024

Dios Corporation
President and CEO
Masahiro Fuka