SAKIGAKE管理人 Introduction — Standing with Affected Communities and Reflecting from the Frontlines of Disaster Prevention
Every year on July 3, we remember the catastrophic debris flow disaster that struck the Izusan area in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. In the early morning hours of July 3, 2021, heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide that swept through a residential area, resulting in approximately 27 fatalities, several people missing, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Even today, recovery and reconstruction efforts continue, and the local community still bears the scars of the disaster.
This is not a distant past. With the increasing frequency of torrential rains and super typhoons due to global warming, disaster prevention companies must confront reality and share a sense of urgency. Through this company blog, SAKIGAKE JAPAN reflects on the Izusan disaster to reconsider how we approach disaster prevention technology, human resources, and systems—and how we prepare for the future.
Lessons from the Izusan Debris Flow — The Risks of Localized, Short-Term Heavy Rainfall
1.1 Link Between Sudden Downpours and Ground Collapse
In Izusan, more than 200 mm of rain fell in just two hours. The steep terrain and deep-seated landslides combined to unleash a volume and speed of debris far exceeding expectations. This event made it clear that disaster prevention measures must not only focus on surface collapse, but also deep-seated collapse.
1.2 Issues in Risk Awareness and Evacuation Behavior
Although emergency evacuation advisories and alerts via social media were issued, the night-time conditions and a high proportion of elderly households resulted in delays between alert issuance and actual evacuation. This highlighted a harsh truth: “Information may be delivered, but people don’t always act.” Effective evacuation support is vital.
1.3 The Long Road to Recovery and Regional Revitalization
Debris removal and infrastructure restoration will take years. Many residents remain in temporary housing, continuing their lives and work in uncertain conditions. Support for education, local culture, tourism, and community reconstruction must be sustained.
Our Three Key Areas of Action as a Disaster Prevention Company
2.1 Visualization Through Technology — Risk Forecasting and Monitoring
To anticipate heavy rain events, it is essential to enhance meteorological and soil monitoring systems. At SAKIGAKE JAPAN, we provide tools such as: Climate Vision / Water Vision: An AI and cloud-based dashboard that visualizes real-time rainfall, river levels, and flood risks to support intuitive decision-making. DIPPS Cloud: A network of subsurface sensors that detect changes in soil moisture and slope, enabling early warnings of landslide risks.
2.2 Human Resource Development — Expanding the Role of “Disaster Response Professionals”
It is crucial to train personnel capable of analyzing disaster data, issuing alerts, and leading initial responses. Disaster Management Specialist serves this purpose by equipping communities and companies with capable professionals.
Temporary Shelter Management (TSM) covers shelter layout, support systems, and hygiene management.
Tsunami & Home Damage Measurement (THM) teaches evaluation techniques for structural and material damage.
2.3 On-the-Ground Capabilities — Infrastructure Support During Outages
When disasters cause power, water, and communication outages, the following products support emergency response: Cold Storage Box Portable: A solar-powered refrigerator that maintains cooling for up to seven hours—crucial for preserving medicine and food. Heli-Portable: A deployable helipad that can be set up in 30 minutes, enabling aerial transport in regions where roads have collapsed.
These solutions allow emergency aid to continue even before full infrastructure recovery.
Strengthening Systems and Community Collaboration — Building a Co-Creation Framework
3.1 Pre-Disaster Drills and Emergency Evacuation Training
To minimize disaster damage, joint training involving municipalities, residents, and companies is essential. For unpredictable events like debris flows and deep-seated landslides, realistic drills—such as night-time and elderly evacuations—are highly effective.
Recent efforts include VR and visual materials that improve understanding and preparedness. SAKIGAKE JAPAN contributes by designing such drills and supporting shelter management training through certified disaster professionals.
3.2 Risk Communication and Information Coordination
Effective communication of disaster risk requires timely, integrated information sharing among municipalities, the Meteorological Agency, utility providers, and others.
Combining alerts (e.g., weather warnings, soil saturation, evacuation advisories) and syncing them with SNS notifications and evacuation apps helps residents take timely action.
We assist with implementing visualization tools and community-based disaster prevention apps.
3.3 Sustaining Community Bonds
Long-term evacuation in temporary housing often leads to social isolation and emotional strain. Resilience is built not only through physical infrastructure but also through human connections.
We support locally led workshops, educational programs, and reconstruction events to help rebuild both community networks and regional identity.
Conclusion — Debris Flow Disasters Are Not a Thing of the Past
The Izusan debris flow was not “unpredictable”—it was a consequence of lacking preparation, monitoring, and response. Similar disasters could occur anywhere, tomorrow.
As a disaster prevention company, SAKIGAKE JAPAN is committed to strengthening the triad of technology, human resources, and collaborative systems. Disaster preparedness is not just a social responsibility—it’s a business strategy and an investment in safeguarding the future.
Let July 3 be a day to renew our awareness and strengthen our readiness—together.
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