This ceremony is held to acknowledge and praise the outstanding achievements of those who have distinguished themselves at times of serious natural disasters through such deeds as saving lives or preventing further expansion of the disaster. This year's ceremony recognized twenty-six groups and one individual. Professor Hiroshi Okada of Hokkaido University was honored for his activities at the time of the disasters caused by the eruption of Mount Usu, as were the Field Headquarters for Countermeasures set up by the Meteorological Agency, the Disaster Headquarters set up by the Police, and the Disaster Relief Team dispatched from the Ground Self-Defense Forces. Other groups receiving commendations included those that distinguished themselves during 1999 and 2000 in responding to disasters caused by heavy rains, the Western Tottori Earthquake and the Geiyo Earthquake.

Prime Minister Koizumi stated that "the realization of a nation state in which the people can live without fear lays the foundation for society. The Government is also committed to doing its utmost in terms of disaster prevention and we will redouble our commitment to providing assistance to the victims of disasters and to strengthening recovery and restoration measures."