Our group embarked on two tours: the Loop Route 7 Underground Regulation Pond and the Hikarigaoka incineration plant. These tours showcased Japan’s approaches to flood control and waste management.

The Underground Regulation Pond Tour in Honan Town

Our day began in Honan Town with a tour of the Loop Route 7 Underground Regulation Pond. Upon arrival, we changed into appropriate footwear and settled into a meeting room where we were introduced to the reservoir system through an informative presentation. Japan receives an immense amount of rainfall, making it crucial to have a system in place to manage excess water and prevent flooding. The regulation pond is part of an extensive underground network that collects rainwater from rivers like the Kanda River and stores it until it can be safely returned once water levels subside.

Following the presentation, we explored a room next door that featured detailed dioramas illustrating the reservoir’s mechanics. These models demonstrated the process of diverting water from the Kanda River to the reservoir, a crucial step in flood prevention.

The highlight of the tour was going down

into the actual tunnels used to hold the water. The vastness of the tunnel was both impressive and eerie, with its enormous size and occasionally walking in the water. The walls were marked with numerous cracks, each labeled with katakana symbols such as “u” and “hi.” At the tunnel’s end, it branched into two directions, allowing us to take photos, making echoes, and even experience complete darkness by turning off our flashlights. This adventure concluded as we resurfaced, marking the end of an enlightening tour.

Art within the Underground tunnel

The Hikarigaoka Incineration Plant Tour 

After a quick lunch at a mall in Hikarigaoka, conveniently located near our next destination, we proceeded to the incineration plant. The plant, crucial to Tokyo’s waste management system, processes the city’s trash in an environmentally responsible manner. This was a topic that I had to research for our project presentations, so I was very excited to see the actual thing.

Our visit began with a presentation video in a meeting room, providing an overview of the plant’s operations. As the video concluded, the blinds rose to reveal a live view of trucks unloading waste into a massive pit. This was followed by a tour of the control rooms, where we observed the crane maneuvering the trash.

We then explored a room with floor panels displaying a map of the trash collection and transportation routes to the plant. The visit continued down a hallway with a glass window showcasing the incinerator. The heat emanating from the incinerator could be felt through the glass, underscoring the immense energy involved in the process. Our tour concluded with a group photo in front of a replica crane, capturing the day’s unique experience.

Crane used to mix and carry trash

Photo in front of replica of the crane

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. 

Japan’s history of natural disasters has shaped its resilience and preparedness. My recent visit to Nisseki Ishinomaki Hospital and Okawa Elementary School provided a look into the impacts of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and the country’s efforts to rebuild and learn from the tragedy.

Learning at Nisseki Ishinomaki Hospital

Our journey began with a bus ride to Nisseki Ishinomaki Hospital, a key facility during the disaster. Upon arrival, we entered a gym-like room filled with tables where we settled in to watch videos and attend lectures detailing the hospital’s response during the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The Great East Japan Earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 quake, struck on March 11, 2011, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The hospital played a critical role in treating the injured patients amidst challenging conditions.

The lectures were enlightening, explaining how the hospital quickly adapted to the crisis. After the lectures they showcased makeshift setups used during such emergencies, including cardboard beds, portable toilets, and tents. I was particularly impressed by the cardboard beds, which were very sturdy and comfortable. 

Example of the cardboard beds

A Somber Visit to Okawa Elementary School

After lunch at Aeon Mall, we continued our journey to Okawa Elementary School, a site deeply affected by the tsunami. Upon arrival, we met our tour guide, a father who lost his daughter, Mai, in the disaster. His firsthand account added depth to the tour as we walked through the remains of the school.

The devastation was apparent, with the school almost entirely destroyed. Our guide recounted the tragic events of that day, highlighting that many students and teachers lost their lives. He led us up a hill behind the school, a route that, if taken that fateful day, could have saved lives. Reaching a platform where classes were sometimes held, we could see the entire school grounds, bringing the scale of the tragedy into sharp focus.

One moment from the tour that resonated deeply with me was when our guide shared, “I still see daughter Mai in my dreams, but she’s still 12.” His words underscored the enduring pain and loss experienced by the families affected by the disaster. It was a powerful reminder of the human cost of such events and the importance of preparedness and swift action.  

View from hill of Okawa Elementary School

Reflections on Resilience and Preparedness

This visit underscored the resilience of the Japanese people and their commitment to learning from past tragedies. The Great East Japan Earthquake prompted significant advancements in disaster preparedness, evident in the measures showcased at Nisseki Ishinomaki Hospital. The hospital’s ability to adapt and provide care in extreme conditions is a testament to the effectiveness of these preparations.

Okawa Elementary School stands as a somber reminder of the importance of swift decision-making during disasters. The tragic loss of life could have been mitigated with quicker action and better preparedness. The stories and experiences shared by our guide highlighted the critical need for continuous improvement in disaster response strategies.

In conclusion, my visit to Nisseki Ishinomaki Hospital and Okawa Elementary School was a deeply moving and educational experience. It emphasized the importance of resilience, preparedness, and learning from past events to better protect communities in the future. Japan’s ongoing efforts to enhance disaster response and recovery serve as a powerful example for the rest of the world.