L Encouraging Independent Disaster Prevention Organizations
Independent disaster prevention organizations are encouraged, since local community volunteer activities play an important role in reducing the damage from an earthquake.
(3) Pushing for the Early Detection of Earthquakes
In 1964, the Land Survey Council (an advisory council to the Minister of Education) put forward the Early Detection of Earthquakes Plan, which was the beginning of Japan's strategic research into earthquake detection. In order to exchange information with various research institutes, the Coordination Committee for Earthquake Prediction was established in 1969 within the Ministry of Construction. In order to promote a comprehensive and systematic plan, the Earthquake Detection Promotion Headquarters were established in the Prime Minister's Cabinet in 1976. The Earthquake Research Promotion Headquarters were established in 1995 within the Prime Minister's Office, in order to compile data from various sources.
(4) Dealing with Tsunami (Tidal Waves)
Most of coastal Japan faces the possibility of being hit by Tsunami.
Therefore, for some 1,000 coastal local governments comprehensive Tsunami preparations are a necessity. In a time when many citizens enjoy water sports such as swimming, fishing, surfing and yachting, the citizens of Japan must be made aware of the dangers of Tsunami.
