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Although Japan accounts for only 0.25% of the world's land area and 6% of the world's GDP, it is a “natural disaster-prone country,” accounting for 18.3% of the world's total disaster losses.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Osaka-Kansai Expo, we will contribute to the world by deepening the debate on these issues from Japan and discussing new forms of disaster prevention and mitigation using digital technology and other means.
We will discuss countermeasures against disasters around the world and consider disaster prevention and disaster mitigation in Mirai that can be presented toward peace, while introducing the latest technologies using keywords such as XR, digital twin, and disaster simulation, with local governments that have experienced past disasters and companies with the latest disaster prevention and disaster mitigation technologies.

【Reflection】
This program featured speeches by Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe City; Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; and Masashi Namatame, Executive Officer of Tokio Marine Holdings. They shared lessons learned from the large-scale disasters they had experienced and presented current initiatives for disaster prevention and mitigation.

Mr. Mizohata emphasized that sharing disaster prevention and mitigation expertise with the world aligns with the EXPO2025's theme of "Saving Lives." Drawing from his own experience of being affected by disasters, he highlighted the terrifying nature of such events, the importance of community networks, and the necessity of legal frameworks to strengthen disaster preparedness for visiting foreign nationals.

Mayor Hisamoto discussed the resilient urban development initiatives undertaken following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. He elaborated on efforts such as backup systems for water and sewage infrastructure, coastal protection measures, and Disaster Prevention DX (Digital Transformation) aimed at supporting stranded individuals and visualizing damage. Additionally, he addressed the significance of inter-municipal collaboration and delivered an insightful lecture on the potential for public-private partnerships in future disaster management strategies.

The latter part of the program introduced cutting-edge solutions from three technology companies: ICEYE, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. , and TITRC. ICEYE showcased its real-time disaster monitoring technology using synthetic aperture radar satellite constellations. Nippon Koei presented immersive MR experiences simulating flooding and systems for disaster information management. TITRC demonstrated UAV-mounted LiDAR systems for 3D printing and route simulation technologies, using visuals to effectively communicate their approaches. The lectures by Mayor Hisamoto and Mr. Mizohata, combined with the technologies presented by these companies, provided valuable insights into potential public-private collaborations in disaster prevention and mitigation.

It is crucial to match advanced technologies with experience in order to carry forward the wealth of lessons learned and the wisdom derived from past disasters. While innovative technologies offer precise data and groundbreaking solutions, their true efficacy in disaster prevention and mitigation lies in how they come together with the expertise accumulated from previous events. This program served as a valuable opportunity to highlight the essence of effective disaster prevention and mitigation.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Through this initiative, new approaches to natural disaster response will emerge, paving the way for the creation of a more resilient society and taking further steps toward progress. Building on the contributions of those who spoke at this program, we will continue to promote disaster prevention and mitigation efforts through specific collaborations and partnerships with various companies and municipalities in the future.