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On September 1, 2018 (Disaster Preparedness Day), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took part in the FY2018 Comprehensive Disaster Management Drills together with all Cabinet members.
 
This year, the drills were conducted based on a scenario in which a Nankai Trough Earthquake occurred at around 7:10 a.m., with a magnitude of 9.1, a maximum seismic intensity of 7, and its epicenter in the coast south of Wakayama Prefecture.
 
As part of the drills, the Prime Minister walked to the assembling point at the Prime Minister’s Office and held the first meeting of the Extreme Disaster Management Headquarters and an emergency Cabinet meeting. Afterwards, the Prime Minister held a press conference to explain the overview of the earthquake and the status of the Government’s response, and to give a message to the people.
 
Then, the Prime Minister visited the venue of the joint disaster management drills by helicopter, which was held by the nine municipalities in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture as a part of the government inspection team. At the venue, the Prime Minister observed a marine evacuation drill and an oil terminal fire extinguishing drill. The Prime Minister also took part in a drill exercise participated by residents. Subsequently, the Prime Minister observed a rescue and assistance drill.
 
At the closing ceremony of the drills, the Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“It is of great significance that disaster management drills of this scale were held today, on Disaster Preparedness Day, with the participation of approximately 140 organizations and approximately 8,000 people, including the people of Kawasaki City, the Self-Defense Forces, the police departments, the fire departments and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) of the nine participating municipalities as well as members of the private sector, including designated public institutions.
 
The natural conditions of Japan make all parts of the country prone to disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rains, and volcanic eruptions.
 
This year as well, torrential rains resulting from the seasonal rain front hit Japan, including the heavy rain in western Japan in July, and multiple typhoons have caused significant damages in various regions. I would like to once again extend my condolences for those who lost their lives and my deepest sympathies to all the affected people.
 
The Government will continue to exert every effort for the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas to ensure that the affected people can take the first steps towards rebuilding their lives with hope and return to their daily lives with peace of mind.
 
In order to overcome the impacts of disasters, it is important that, as part of their daily lives, each and every person is fully prepared for times of emergency.
 
Today’s drills were participated by approximately 3,500 members of voluntary disaster prevention organizations and fire companies, which form the core of self-help and mutual support initiatives. The drills also saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 600 elementary, junior high school, and specialized training college students who represent the future of Japan. This is very reassuring.
 
I hope that practical drills like these, which were conducted today, will help ensure disaster preparedness by developing strong connections between people in the community and the organizations involved in disaster management and deepening understanding about the risks in the areas where you live and the specific actions that should be taken during times of disaster.
 
The Government will continue to take all possible measures related to disaster management to protect the lives and property of the Japanese people in preparation for a range of disasters, including the Tokyo Inland Earthquake and Nankai Trough Earthquake which are feared to occur.   
 
In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone for their enthusiastic participation in today’s drills. Thank you very much for your cooperation today.”