World Heritage Site Ninna-ji Temple and International Disaster Countermeasure Support Foundation (FIDC) Launch Sale of Original 'Sonae no Mizu' Bottled Water

A ceremony was held to bless the 'Sonae no Mizu' water bottles.

Overview

The International Disaster Countermeasure Support Foundation (FIDC, Chuo City, Tokyo) has partnered with Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), a World Heritage site and head temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism, to begin selling 'Sonae no Mizu'—bottled water with an original Ninna-ji label—starting June 20, 2026.

This initiative introduces a circular disaster-preparedness model (rolling stock) to temples by combining the sale and regular replenishment of 'Sonae no Mizu,' FIDC's emergency water supply, ensuring the stock remains fresh and up-to-date.

Based on a comprehensive partnership agreement signed in 2025, this project strengthens Ninna-ji Temple’s long-standing role as a pillar of community safety and cultural preservation from a modern disaster-resilience perspective.

Background of the 'Sonae no Mizu Project' and Challenges Faced by Temples

Through its past activities—such as delivering personnel and supplies to isolated areas during the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake—FIDC has learned that water is the most urgently needed resource during disasters.

In times of crisis, local temples serve as vital evacuation centers and emotional sanctuaries (spiritual pillars) for parishioners, residents, and temple affiliates. However, maintaining and managing emergency water stocks independently poses significant challenges for temples, including the burden of tracking expiration dates and the cost and effort of replacing expired supplies.

To address this, FIDC developed a unique, burden-free disaster cooperation model: a 'free consignment, circular system' that allows temples to participate without financial or logistical strain.

'Sonae no Mizu' is a shared emergency water system between FIDC and temples and shrines.

The water is intended not only as emergency drinking water but also as relief supplies delivered to temples and shrines in disaster-stricken areas.

As part of broader awareness efforts, the project uses PET bottles labeled with the names of participating temples and shrines, with a portion of the sales revenue returned to the respective institutions.

In emergencies, the water will be provided to parishioners and local residents as drinking water.

Product Overview: 'Sonae no Mizu'

- Sales Location: Ninna-ji Temple Gift Shop - Volume: 500ml (natural spring water) - Shelf Life: 3 years - Price: ¥370 per bottle (tax included) - Launch Date: June 20, 2026

The Story Behind the 'Sonae no Mizu Project'

The Sonae no Mizu Project: A Gradual, Inclusive Approach for All Temples

Participating Temples in the 'Sonae no Mizu' Initiative

- International Disaster Countermeasure Support Foundation - Official Website: https://www.unglobal.org/ - Project Details: https://www.fidc.pro/ FIDC promotes and disseminates knowledge related to disaster planning and organizational operations, fostering the sharing of wisdom and best practices in disaster preparedness.

Media Inquiries and Contact

International Disaster Countermeasure Support Foundation Office

Email: document@unglobal.org

*Please include your media outlet name, contact person, phone number, and interview request details when contacting us via email.