TOKYO – As the relentless march of climate change intensifies natural disasters across the globe, Japan, a nation long accustomed to the forces of nature, is emerging as a powerful model for building resilience. A unique blend of historical wisdom and cutting-edge technology is redefining disaster preparedness, offering critical lessons for a world increasingly at risk.
The World Economic Forum’s ”Global Risks Report 2025” ranks extreme weather as the most severe long-term risk and the second-highest short-term risk worldwide. This stark assessment underscores the urgency of effective strategies, and Japan’s approach known as bosai, a concept encompassing traditional disaster prevention and mitigation stands out.
A Legacy of Observation, A Future of Innovation
Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of disaster monitoring dates back centuries, with historical records of earthquakes and weather phenomena found in ancient texts. This legacy continues today with the Japan Meteorological Agency, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. The agency works around the clock to monitor seismic, volcanic, and weather activity, turning vast amounts of data into life-saving forecasts and warnings.
But while the past provides the foundation, modern technology is the engine of change. One of the most significant advancements is the use of supercomputers to predict highly localized and dangerous weather events that have historically been difficult to forecast.
Supercomputing for Survival
A groundbreaking collaboration between Fujitsu and Yokohama National University has achieved a world-first: the real-time prediction of tornadoes spawned by typhoons. By harnessing the power of the supercomputer Fugaku and the Cloud Resolving Storm Simulator (CReSS), researchers can now predict these tornadic winds with unprecedented accuracy, providing communities with crucial lead time to prepare.
Similarly, other teams are using Fugaku and next-generation radars to predict “guerrilla downpours,” intense, localized rain that can cause flash floods and landslides. These innovations are transforming the ability to anticipate and respond to micro-scale weather phenomena that can be devastating.
Alerts as a Way of Life
Technological innovation is only effective if the information reaches the public in time. Japan’s national J-Alert system is a prime example of a multi-channel warning system that ensures swift and widespread dissemination of critical information. When a sudden event like an earthquake or tsunami is detected, J-Alert instantly sends warning tones and instructions directly to mobile phones, public address systems, and broadcast media.
The system also addresses the growing threat of heatwaves, which have increased by approximately 3.3 times globally since the year 2000. The Ministry of the Environment and the Meteorological Agency issue a “Heat Stroke Alert” when heat risk is particularly high, delivering it through government websites, apps like Yahoo! Weather, and messaging services. In April 2024, a special alert was introduced for conditions deemed especially dangerous.
Lessons for a Fragile World
Japan’s comprehensive approach, blending a culture of preparedness with state-of-the-art technology, provides a clear roadmap for other nations. As His Majesty the Emperor of Japan stated, the constant observation of natural phenomena and the accurate dissemination of information are paramount.
From AI-powered crisis management services that analyze social media data to drone-based systems that broadcast evacuation messages from the sky, Japan is leveraging every available tool to create a more resilient society.
As the Japanese saying goes, “preparedness alleviates concerns.” In a world facing increasing environmental risks, Japan’s strategies for anticipating and mitigating natural disasters could be the blueprint for a safer, more resilient global community.