Hands-on Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Experience in Tokyo

"Easy Japanese" Hands-on Tour

The Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center was established by the Tokyo Fire Department in 1986 to provide Tokyo residents and visitors with important skills, knowledge, and simulated experiences related to emergency and disaster preparedness. Conveniently located near Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo's Toshima City, the center and its hands-on tours—expertly guided by former Fire Department members—are free to all. 

To ensure that all members of the community know what to do in the event of a disaster or emergency, the center also offers its tours in "easy Japanese," making them accessible for residents whose Japanese language skills are still a work in progress. The instructor makes sure to speak slowly and clearly, as well as to explain unfamiliar vocabulary in simple terms, such as "earthquake: the ground is moving" or "evacuate: go to a safe place." Various supporting videos, diagrams, and illustrations help participants understand the content.

"There are many international residents in Japan, and it is important for them to be able to receive the same disaster preparedness education as those who grew up here," said Abe Yoshio, the center's deputy chief. "Taking this kind of hands-on course can help reduce harm in the event of a real emergency."

On average, the center sees roughly 230 participants in the "easy Japanese" course each year, about 70% of whom live or work in Tokyo. Reservations are required for the 100-minute hands-on tour.

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The center is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.

The mascot character "Nishi-Ike Zo."

A display introduces various aspects of firefighting.

The tour utilizes visual aids and easy Japanese to help international guests understand.

The first thing to do in the event of a fire is to warn others.

The instructor explains how to follow exit signs to evacuate during a fire.

Smoke travels faster vertically than horizontally.

Participants practice evacuating from a dark, smoky room.

Participants can experience the power of a seismic intensity 7 (Japanese scale) earthquake.

Some people may not be able to participate in the simulations due to health conditions, etc.

There are plenty of manikins for the CPR and AED practice.

Participants learn proper CPR technique.

Commemorative goods are also available for purchase.

Fighting Small Fires, Safely Fleeing Big Ones

The first part of the hands-on tour covered how to use a fire extinguisher and how to evacuate from a burning building, skills relevant not just in Japan but the world over. 

The  instructor taught the group how to shout "Fire!" in Japanese—"Kaji da!"—as well as what to do when calling a fire engine or an ambulance through Japan's emergency hotline, 119. 

Next, participants learned how to use a fire extinguisher through three simple steps, which happened to use the same words in both Japanese and English: pin, hose, lever. Water, rather than actual fire retardant, sprayed out of the practice fire extinguishers as participants battled a moderate blaze, such as a kitchen fire, projected onto the wall.

However, the instructor then explained that, if a fire is too big to be extinguished, it is important to escape quickly. Smoke contains carbon monoxide and is toxic; those who breathe in too much can fall unconscious. In Tokyo, which contains more than 600 buildings over 100 meters tall, it is particularly important to know how to evacuate safely.

The center utilizes a smoke maze to simulate the experience of evacuating a burning building. Participants were instructed to crouch down below the smoke, with a towel or other cloth over their nose and mouth. In the maze, they cautiously felt the doors and walls, checking whether they were "hot," as they groped in the dark toward the exit. Duck-walking through the maze was tiring, but rising even a little made the smell of "smoke" stronger—which meant one was breathing in too much of it, the instructor warned.

Earthquake Simulator Mimics Powerful Shock

Next, the hands-on tour covered earthquake safety. Due to its location above a subduction zone, earthquakes are a geologic fact of life in Japan, and, as such, earthquake preparedness is taught in schools and other facilities throughout the country.

Although most earthquakes are imperceptibly small, major quakes—such as the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and subsequent tsunami—can cause serious harm, the instructor explained. When a quake occurs, people need to act quickly to protect themselves from falling objects, such as items on shelves.

The tour's earthquake section began with a video explaining how tectonic plate movements cause earthquakes and tsunamis. Then, the instructor gave participants a quiz on what to do if an earthquake hits. For example, should you shelter under a table, or go outside? Should you turn off the gas stove first before diving under a table? The latter question stumped a few participants, and the instructor emphasized that protecting oneself is always the first priority. 

Finally, participants experienced earthquake simulations via a moving platform with a large table, under which they were instructed to shelter. One simulation gave an example of Japan's earthquake early warning alarm before the shaking started, while the other simulated a more violent quake with no prior warning. The latter was modeled on the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and video footage from the disaster played on screens as the platform shuddered irregularly, sometimes briefly calming before rocking with another jolt. 

Although earthquakes should not deter anyone from visiting Japan, it is always best to be prepared. Abe said that among the center's visitors are many tourists in Japan for extended stays who want to learn more about earthquake safety.

Administering First Aid in Japan

The final stage of the hands-on tour is first aid, specifically how to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). 

The instructor explained a few ways to call for help in Japanese if someone has collapsed, depending on one's language ability: "Tasukete-kudasai!" "Dare-ka kite-kudasai!" or even just "Help!" As the AED instructions were in Japanese—and it is always harder to calmly follow instructions in an emergency—having the chance to practice on a manikin was an important experience. 

In her parting comments, the instructor encouraged participants to come back as many times as they wanted to practice the skills and build up their experience. She noted that the approaching seasons will likely also bring heavy rain and typhoons, so everyone should know a safe evacuation point and have an emergency bag prepared in case of a natural disaster.

Emergency and disaster preparedness is essential in building resilient cities in which no one gets left behind. As Tokyo sees increasing numbers of both residents and visitors from abroad, the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center will surely continue to play an important role in the community going forward.

Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center

Established in 1986, the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center provides visitors with safety and disaster preparedness skills. Based on the idea of having fun while learning, visitors can experience a range of emergency and disaster preparedness activities, including using a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire, evacuating a burning building while mitigating harm from smoke, and taking shelter during an earthquake. The center offers tours in "easy Japanese" for international residents and visitors. 
https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/taiken/ikebukuro/index.html