SAKIGAKE管理人 On May 14, 2025, SAKIGAKE JAPAN participated in the 25th Disaster Risk Management Seminar hosted by the World Bank’s DRM Hub Tokyo. The seminar’s theme was “Resilient Housing Reconstruction for a Changing World: Global Lessons and Japanese Innovations.” Amid the frequent recurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, the role of housing—the foundation of people’s livelihoods—has once again drawn international attention.
This report summarizes the key insights from the seminar and offers SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s perspective on the social implementation of disaster resilience technology.
▶ Event: 25th Disaster Risk Management Seminar “Resilient Housing Reconstruction for a Changing World”
“Build Better Before”: Preparing Before Disasters Strike
At the beginning of the seminar, Mr. Luis Miguel Triveno Chan Jan of the World Bank emphasized a shift in mindset—from the concept of “Build Back Better” to “Build Better Before.” He introduced a new benchmarking tool called the Resilient Housing Snapshot, designed to identify gaps in policies, land acquisition, and flexible program design—enabling the building of resilience before disaster occurs. This proactive approach aligns with SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s motto: “Prevention is the greatest form of disaster preparedness.”
From Temporary to Permanent: The Housing Transition
Prof. Norio Maki from Kyoto University highlighted that, in Japanese recovery history, temporary housing risked becoming permanent residences. Drawing from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, he emphasized that true success doesn’t lie solely in building structures—but in ensuring resident retention and sustainable lifestyles. A well-built residence ultimately becomes hollow if community bonds are broken or younger generations disengage.
Community-Led Reconstruction from Tohoku
Prof. Haruka Tsukuda and Prof. Kanako Iuchi from Tohoku University introduced cases from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. They noted that successful reconstruction involved active participation by residents—living spaces were customized, reflecting ownership and community cohesion. They also underlined the significance of soft skills such as communication, decision-making, and trust-building—skills emphasized in SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s approach to holistic disaster resilience.
SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s Perspective: Protect Before Building
The seminar’s insights resonate with our solutions:
- Aster Power Coating (Seismic-Resistant Coating)
Protects interior finishes during seismic events, contributing to long-term housing stability. - Cold Storage Box Portable
Ensures safe storage of food and medical supplies in evacuation facilities even when infrastructure fails.
These technologies strengthen our belief that disaster preparedness should be part of daily life—not simply reserved for emergencies.
Conclusion: Quality Over Quantity in Reconstruction
At the seminar’s close, speakers reinforced that success isn’t measured in numbers of houses built, but in the sustainability of lives and communities. The emphasis is on resilience over speed, human connection over structural fortitude, and regeneration over mere rebuilding.
Inspired by the concept of “Build Better Before,” SAKIGAKE JAPAN will integrate these lessons into future product development and strategy—advancing our mission in domestic and international disaster resilience and reconstruction support.
This report was authored by Anis Shahirah Ghazaly, International Marketing & Liaison at SAKIGAKE JAPAN.Anis holds a degree in Resource & Environmental Science from Petronas University (Malaysia), has participated in disaster research in Southeast Asia and Japan, and now leads the company’s international expansion in the region.
SAKIGAKE JAPAN continues to foster resilience through the synergy of Technology × Education × Preparedness—working together with communities worldwide.
▶ For inquiries related to our products, speaking engagements, or training programs, please visit:
https://sakigakejp.com/en/contact-en/