Kanto Regional Development Bureau Conducts Disaster Drill Simulating Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake
14 November 2025 – Administration & Organizations
On 13 November, the Kanto Regional Development Bureau conducted a disaster preparedness drill simulating a major earthquake directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area at two sites: Chuo Ward, Saitama City and Higashi-Ogishima, Kawasaki City. Eleven participants joined the drill, including national agencies such as the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the North Kanto Defense Bureau, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and private companies.
The drill included disaster reconnaissance using helicopters, road clearance operations, and emergency supply transport via sea, allowing participants to confirm the actions required during actual disasters.
Prior to the exercise, Masamichi Hashimoto, Director of the Kanto Bureau and Head of the Disaster Response Headquarters, emphasized:
"In the event of a major Tokyo earthquake, we must fulfill our mission of emergency recovery, reconstruction, and supporting local governments. There is much to learn from drills. Identifying issues and enhancing disaster response effectiveness is critical."
The drill scenario assumed a magnitude 7 earthquake in the Kanto region at 22:00 on 12 November. During the information-sharing exercise, participants checked the status of the “Eight-Direction Operation,” which clears main roads leading to the city center, while each agency reported its activity via web.
In the practical exercises, at the Saitama and Higashi-Ogishima sites, disaster helicopters and drones were used for reconnaissance, fire-fighting drills with pump trucks were conducted, and maritime operations included debris removal, underwater obstacle surveys, and emergency supply transport. Participants practiced preparedness and disaster response skills.
