ArchiveEmergency and Disaster Medicine

In disaster medicine, relief operations typically unfold after a catastrophe occurs. We seek to change that dynamic with a new concept urging anticipatory action—launching operations prior to a disaster. In exploring this concept, starting with this symposium, we are encouraging a broad national discussion on issues including future urban development and how Japan should confront disasters.

In September 2023, the JMA Emergency and Disaster Medicine Management Committee, experts from various professions, and officials from related ministries and agencies investigated the torrential rain disaster which had occurred in Aichi Prefecture’s Toyokawa City in June of that year. The study found that a wealth of useful information on disaster prevention and mitigation was provided prior to the disaster by entities such as the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

We need to ensure the continuity of the medical care which protects lives and human health even during disasters. Therefore, the creation of “future cities” with medical care as a key pillar from the planning stage is vital, especially for Japan, a country that faces frequent disasters.

This national discussion on how Japan deals with disaster medicine should be from a broad perspective to include originality and ingenuity, focusing on how to invest financial and other social resources promoting innovation and start-ups in medical disaster prevention to bring peace of mind to the public.