Japan is prone to natural disasters, and in 2016, an earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, causing significant damage. Member co-ops nationwide are conducting disaster prevention activities in preparation for any natural disasters that may occur.

On September 3, Co-op Kumamoto held an event titled "Disaster Prevention and Community Plaza in Co-op Kasuga" in front and inside the store of Co-op Kasuga in Kumamoto Prefecture.

This event was held to widely inform co-op members and the community at large about "creating a base in the community where people can live with peace of mind" based on the Co-op Kumamoto SDGs Action Declaration, and to have people experience it for themselves.

The Co-op Kasuga is installed with three Manhole Emergency Toilets that can be used as portable toilets in the event of a disaster, a Furnace Bench that can be used as a bench and can also be used as a furnace if the seat is removed, and a Disaster Prevention Well that helps ensure water supply for daily use.

 

Visitors listened attentively to the explanations of each disaster prevention equipment and its function, and asked detailed questions about their usage.

As a new initiative this year, a "Walking with Hazard Map" was planned by the town's Children's Association, with 12 people from three families participating and they listened to an explanation from the neighborhood association. Based on the local version of the hazard map prepared by the neighborhood association in December 2019, participants walked around irrigation ditches without fences or ditch covers, and were briefed not only on dangerous areas in the event of a disaster but also on places to be careful of on a daily basis.

Comments from the participating children included, "I learned a lot," and "It was good to know something I didn't know."

Other activities included a water tasting event, an introduction to the co-op's lunch box delivery service, and an event where visitors could make their own candles to use during power outages. The store also displayed and sold rolling stock products and opened a children's cafeteria.