Disaster Preparation for Japan Megaquake

Japan faces some of the world’s most frequent and severe natural disasters. From devastating earthquakes and tsunamis to typhoons and floods, millions of lives are at risk every year, along with critical infrastructure and essential services.

The Challenge

This challenge is becoming even more urgent as the Japanese government is actively preparing for a potential “Nankai Trough Megaquake”, a predicted event that could have catastrophic impacts on entire regions.

SmartAID’s work in Japan is designed to complement Japan’s challenges and national strategies by bringing together advanced humanitarian technologies, community-level training, and global expertise to help minimize damage, save lives, and strengthen resilience.

Empowering Communities Through EdTech

In Miyagi Prefecture, SmartAID partnered with a local NPO, the Celia Circle, to support communities still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake andTsunami. Watari was one of the communities severely impacted on March 11, 2011. Nearly 47% of the town’s area was flooded, forcing hundreds of residents to seek refuge in a local school, where they were later rescued by Japanese military helicopters.

In the years since, Watari has become a symbol of resilience and innovation and SmartAID is proud to play an active role in the town’s ongoing recovery.

SmartAID is working closely with the Celia Circle, to enhance and expand the Watari Innovation Center, a community hub dedicated to technology, education, and sustainable development.

Through this collaboration, we have equipped the center with advanced technological learning devices to support children and women in gaining critical digital and software skills.
In addition, we began expanding the center’s programs to include ag-tech training initiatives, supporting sustainable rice and vegetable agriculture.

Sharing knowledge and driving Innovation

In July 2025, SmartAID hosted the DisasterTech Conference, bringing together global tech innovators, humanitarian leaders, and government officials to revolutionize disaster preparedness and response.

Leaders from Microsoft, Google, Tokyo University, LINE Yahoo! Communication, Netafim, and many others joined SmartAID to discuss how technology can be leveraged in disaster management. The conference featured impactful sessions on topics ranging from AI-driven humanitarian intelligence to linking early warnings with immediate lifesaving actions. Discussions examined how emerging technologies can accelerate disaster prevention, improve coordination, and strengthen support for vulnerable communities.

The conference showcased breakthrough solutions and fostered new partnerships between local experts and international innovators, laying the groundwork for the next generation of disaster technology in Japan and beyond.

Looking Forward: Building the Future of Preparedness in Japan

SmartAID is expanding its mission in Japan with new programs and initiatives designed to:

• Enhance disaster preparedness at the community and government levels.
• Equip local teams with advanced tools that will prepare communities not just to survive the next disaster, but to thrive in its aftermath.
• Introduce life-saving technologies tailored for Japan’s unique disaster landscape.
• Support ongoing recovery efforts in communities affected by past disasters such as the ones in Fukushima and the Noto-Paninsula.
• Develop new collaborations with local partners, academic institutions, and innovation leaders.

How You Can Help

Disaster Preparedness requires financial and partnership support to support as many at-risk communities as possible.

💡 Donate: Fund clean energy, water, and connectivity systems for affected communities.

🤝 Partner: Join us through technology, logistics, or community engagement.

📣 Share: Amplify this mission to help more people access life-saving tools.

Together, we can build resilient communities.

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