{
  "id": 18471360,
  "title": "Editorial: Japan's new disaster agency must protect lives through public-private cooperation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/editorial-japans-new-disaster-agency-must-protect-lives-through",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T08:57:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261106/p2a/00m/0op/025000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, the National Disaster Management Agency has been established. Goshi Hosono, the inaugural minister responsible for disaster management, has issued urgent appeals to both citizens and various government entities to take protective measures. This demonstrates a commitment to reinforcing the government's framework for safeguarding people's lives. The agency was formed by expanding the disaster management division within the Cabinet Office and increasing its workforce by 1.6 times, resulting in around 350 personnel. However, the majority of these individuals are on temporary assignments from other ministries and agencies. To enhance its capabilities, the government should prioritize hiring and training specialists, including those from the private sector. Additionally, the agency must promptly establish a disaster management academy to train local government employees and others.\n\nThe agency's primary responsibility is to function as the national command center for Japan's disaster response, rather than merely serving as a bureaucratic addition. Disasters with the potential to cause nationwide crises, such as earthquakes near the Nankai Trough or beneath the capital, could occur at any time, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive \"disaster mitigation\" efforts. These measures include constructing buildings that are resistant to earthquakes, securing furniture, and installing devices like seismic circuit breakers, which automatically cut off power during strong tremors.\n\nHosono has requested all ministries and agencies to report by the end of the year on the status of their preventive measures. The National Disaster Management Agency has been granted the authority to recommend necessary actions. If required, it should utilize this authority to advance disaster preparedness before disasters strike. The government has set a goal of zero disaster-related fatalities. To achieve this, enhancing conditions at evacuation shelters is crucial. The agency plans to bolster supplies for extreme heat and severe winter conditions, while also developing systems for collaboration with companies and nonprofit organizations possessing expertise in managing shelters. However, there is a concern that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration perceives disaster management as a means of economic growth. Out of the 65.1 billion yen (approximately $412 million) allocated for next fiscal year's disaster-related budget, roughly 30% is designated for research and development of disaster management technologies and initiatives to stimulate related industries, with an aim toward international exports. Disaster management is also included among the 17 key areas in the government's growth strategy. While it is acknowledged that enhancing disaster preparedness through the integration of advanced technology benefits the nation, the fundamental objective, above all else, is to protect the lives of disaster victims. The government must not lose sight of this primary objective. Local governments are currently facing significant labor shortages and declining regional communities. The foremost priority should be to strengthen the initial lines of disaster preparedness through widespread public-private cooperation, which precisely aligns with the role the National Disaster Management Agency should play.",
  "summary": "The National Disaster Management Agency has been launched in Japan. Goshi Hosono, the first minister for disaster management, issued urgent requests t",
  "key_points": [
    "National Disaster Management Agency established in Japan",
    "350 personnel, majority temporary from other ministries",
    "Public-private cooperation prioritized for disaster preparedness"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The agency's success depends on shifting from a temporary bureaucratic structure to a specialized command center that prioritizes public-private cooperation over using disaster management as a tool for economic growth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}