The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Suggestions to the world for your safe and secure future from Japan as a disaster-prone country
FORUM8
Experts from a variety of fields, both domestic and international, will speak about how to reduce damage caused by natural disasters occurring on a global scale and about measures for future disaster prevention and mitigation.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Disaster prevention and reconstruction
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Agenda2025
Participation Programme
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Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.20[Tue]
18:30 ～ 20:00
(Venue Open 18:00)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear
icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping
audio.
We will invite well-known people from Japan and abroad who are
dealing with natural disasters and disaster prevention to talk
about the issues they face from their respective positions. We
will introduce examples of countermeasures based on advanced
hypotheses and predictions using cutting-edge IT technology
and software in Japan for future disasters that may occur on a
global scale. We will also discuss cutting-edge disaster
prevention efforts in countries around the world. We will also
discuss the importance of public-private collaboration in
ensuring safety. Together with the participants, we will
consider disaster awareness and disaster prevention for the
people themselves, as well as how to deal with disasters
between countries, at the national (government) level, in the
private sector, and as individuals.
Reports
【Reflection 】
Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” a
talk event on the future of disaster prevention and mitigation
was held, attracting a large audience. Experts and citizens
exchanged valuable insights through engaging discussions.
Professor Tomohiro Fukuda highlighted the importance of
easy-to-understand and accurate disaster tools from a
citizen’s perspective, focusing on psychological biases and
the need for information that encourages action during
emergencies.
Professor Fumihiko Imamura emphasized preparing for complex
disasters using human flow data. He outlined a “disaster
response cycle” and stressed the role of data and lessons from
past events in minimizing damage.
FORUM8 President Yuji Ito introduced VR-based disaster
simulations that help visualize risks and support planning.
These tools offer realistic experiences that can prompt
proactive safety actions.
Moderator Patrick Harlan summarized the talks with three key
points: scientific visualization, the citizen’s view, and the
disaster cycle. The discussion also touched on the importance
of self-help, mutual aid, and public support, and how everyday
connections can be a first step toward resilience.
Some participants sought more actionable takeaways, suggesting
that future communication should better connect with emotions
and daily life.
Disaster prevention depends not only on systems and
technologies, but also on our personal awareness and actions.
Sharing what we’ve learned in everyday life is the first step
toward a safer future.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The talk event "Discussing the Future of Disaster
Prevention and Reduction" provided a valuable opportunity
to share insights on disaster preparedness technologies,
responses to complex disasters, and the roles of self-help,
mutual assistance, and public support.
To ensure these discussions lead to lasting action, we plan to
share key messages through a video letter on YouTube,
including digest versions and subtitles for broader
accessibility. SNS integration will help make the content more
relatable.
Knowledge gained will also be shared at events such as the
annual FORUM8 Design Festival and the 2026 Regional
Revitalization and National Resilience Seminars across 22
cities. Disaster prevention requires collaboration across
fields—architecture, urban planning, education, healthcare,
and more.
We will continue proposing practical uses of technologies like
VR simulations and human flow data to local governments,
aiming to improve disaster planning and encourage individual
action. As disaster risks become more complex, sharing,
connecting, and communicating are key to resilience. This
event marks the beginning of expanding these efforts across
regions, sectors, and generations.
Cast
Moderator
Patrick Harlan
HAV MERCY
A comedian from the United States. He is also active as an actor and voice actor. He uses his fluent Japanese to work as a DJ, MC, and narrator. He is known by the nickname "Pakkun" and is part of the comedy duo "Pakkun Makkun" with Yoshida Makoto.
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Speakers
Yuji Ito
President, FORUM8 Co., Ltd.
FORUM8 was founded in 1987. Its core business is design calculation software and CAD software covering a wide range of civil engineering structures, including bridges, road civil engineering, and hydraulic engineering, with dynamic analysis being another pillar of its business. In recent years, the company has also developed solutions using various simulations and visualizations based on virtual reality (VR)-based tools.
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Fumihiko Imamura
Prof. of Tsunami Engineering, IRIDeS, Tohoku University and Vice President for Social Outreach, Alumni Associations, and the Tohoku University Fund
Chairman of the Reconstruction Agency's Reconstruction Promotion Committee and Vice President of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. His research fields include tsunami engineering and tsunami disaster prevention, numerical calculation of tsunami fluid waves, investigation of traces of historical earthquakes and tsunamis, evacuation simulations, and cognitive psychology (analysis of memories and human behavior during evacuation).
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Tomohiro Fukuda
Professor, Environmental Design and Information Technology Laboratory, Sustainable Environmental Design Area, Course of Environmental Engineering, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka
Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Professor Fukuda is
an expert in sustainable environmental design and
information technology, applying digital technologies
such as XR, AI, drones, and point clouds to the built
environment such as urban design.
He is a Fellow of the CAADRIA International
Conference.
He has authored books including "Learn XR and
Metaverse in One Day" and "Comprehensive
Guide to Urban and Architectural Blogs".
He received the Encouragement Award for the Civil
Engineering Design Prize from the Japan Society of
Civil Engineers for the reconstruction of Mizuki
Shigeru Road (using VR technology).
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Edwin R. Galea
Professor, Fire Safety Engineering Group, University of Greenwich（VTR）
He is the head of the Fire Safety Engineering Group (FSEG), which he established in 1986. At FSEG, he developed the fire analysis software "SMARTFIRE" and the "EXODUS" series of evacuation analysis software, which includes "buildingEXODUS," and these software are used in over 30 countries around the world.
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The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Suggestions to the world for your safe and secure future from Japan as a disaster-prone country
Experts from a variety of fields, both domestic and international, will speak about how to reduce damage caused by natural disasters occurring on a global scale and about measures for future disaster prevention and mitigation.
-
2025.05.20[Tue]
18:30～20:00
(Venue Open 18:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
