Japan is renowned for its meticulous disaster preparedness, and my recent visit to the Tokyo Fire Department Honjo Citizen Disaster Prevention Education Center underscored this reputation. After a lunch stop at Sangubashi Station, we made our way to this facility, designed to educate and prepare citizens for various natural disasters.
The Great Kanto Earthquake Film
Upon arrival, we checked in and headed upstairs to watch a short film about the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The film offered a poignant perspective through the eyes of a woman who documented her experiences during the catastrophic event. The narrative provided a moving account of the earthquake’s impact, setting the tone for the rest of our visit. One point in the film that stuck with me was the scene of the fire tornado and the visuals showed everyone running around with the woman just staring from fear.
Experiencing an Earthquake
Next, we went to the first floor for an earthquake simulation. Before stepping onto the simulator, our guide briefed us on Japan’s rigorous earthquake preparedness measures. These include regular drills, early warning systems, and robust building codes designed to withstand seismic activity.
The simulation itself was intense. We experienced a magnitude 7 earthquake on a platform equipped with mats. In proper earthquake drill formation—on our knees, heads covered—we braced ourselves as the simulation began. The sheer force of the simulated quake was surprising, and it was a struggle to maintain my position as the ground shook violently beneath me.
Earthquake simulation room
Learning About Fire Safety
Following the earthquake simulation, we went upstairs to a fire prevention session. Seated in front of a board, we listened as our guide explained various fire hazards and safety measures. The board then slid back to reveal a life-sized bedroom setup. We watched a scenario unfold where a curtain caught fire from an electrical outlet, learning crucial steps to take in such an event.
The fire safety lesson culminated in a fire escape simulation. Navigating a smoke-filled room, we practiced escaping with handkerchiefs covering our mouths and noses, crouching low to avoid smoke inhalation. This hands-on experience was fun, but it also reinforced the importance of quick thinking and preparedness in fire emergencies.
Walking through the smoked room
The Rainstorm Simulation
One of the highlights of the visit was the rainstorm simulation. After putting on rain boots and large raincoats, we entered a room equipped with bars to hold onto. The simulation began with heavy rain and strong winds, creating a realistic storm environment. Even though we were wearing masks to prevent water from getting on our faces, it still managed to get in my mouth and face. The intensity of the rain and wind made it a fun experience, since it sort of felt like a care wash. This simulation shows the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such conditions.
Rainstorm simulation
Flood Preparedness: Door and Car Door Simulations
The final part of our tour focused on flood preparedness. We were led to an area with two different door setups—a regular door and a car door—each designed to simulate varying levels of water pressure. The objective was to push the doors open until a bell rang, indicating successful escape from floodwaters. I was proud to manage both doors at their highest difficulty settings, which simulated the immense force of floodwater.