From 'Routine Earthquake Resistance Consultations' to 'Safety Verification During Disasters' — Habikino City Signs Collaboration Agreement with NPO 'People-Homes-Cities Safety Support Organization' on Residential Seismic Retrofitting and Disaster Support

Habikino City signed, for the first time within Osaka Prefecture, a collaborative agreement with the nonprofit organization 'People-Homes-Cities Safety Support Organization' (abbreviated as LSO), which has extensive experience in seismic assessments and renovations of existing homes. The agreement, signed on June 19, 2026 (Fri), is titled 'Collaborative Agreement on Promoting Residential Seismic Retrofitting in Habikino City and Cooperation on Emergency Damage Assessments for Buildings During Disasters'.

In recent years, frequent earthquakes across Japan have heightened public awareness about preparedness for the anticipated Nankai Trough mega-earthquake, increasing interest in seismic retrofitting of homes. At the same time, there have been growing concerns about fraudulent renovation sales and related issues, highlighting the need for a trustworthy environment where residents can seek reliable advice.

Through this agreement, Habikino City will leverage LSO's specialized knowledge and experience to strengthen its consultation system, enabling residents to access 'neutral and impartial experts' for seismic retrofitting advice without being steered toward specific construction companies.

Comprehensive collaboration from routine consultations to post-disaster safety verification

This agreement not only enhances consultation systems for promoting residential seismic retrofitting but also establishes cooperation frameworks for emergency damage assessments of buildings following major disasters.

In the event of a disaster, LSO-affiliated architects who are certified 'Emergency Damage Assessment Officers' will support the city's emergency damage assessment operations for affected buildings.

This collaboration will enable government and private sectors to work together, ensuring a system that can quickly determine whether residents' homes are safe to continue living in immediately after large-scale disasters such as the Nankai Trough mega-earthquake.

Statements following the agreement signing

Mayor Yamairihata, Habikino City

Earthquakes are occurring frequently across Japan, and public concern about housing safety—especially regarding preparedness for the Nankai Trough mega-earthquake—is growing. In our city, we are scheduled to revise our seismic retrofitting promotion plan in fiscal year 2027, making seismic strengthening of homes a critical issue.

At the same time, we have heard concerns from citizens about the lack of clear consultation channels for seismic retrofitting. With this agreement, we now have a robust system in place for both routine consultations and emergency damage assessments during disasters, which I believe will be reassuring for our residents.

Under this collaboration with LSO, we will work toward realizing 'Habikino, a disaster-resilient city'.

LSO President Mr. Kawata

We believe the essence of disaster preparedness lies not only in preventing damage itself but also in continuously protecting lives and livelihoods after a disaster. Beyond direct earthquake damage, disaster-related deaths caused by evacuation life and similar conditions are a critical issue we must prevent.

For this, the mindset that 'there is nothing better than preparation' is essential. First, we must reduce risks close to home—particularly damage to wooden houses—and secure a safe foundation for daily life.

Expanding on past collaboration to further advance residential safety measures

Habikino City and LSO have collaborated since 2018 (Heisei 30), co-hosting lectures, consultation events, and exhibitions on residential seismic retrofitting.

This agreement aims to expand upon that collaboration, creating a seamless support system—from routine consultations on seismic retrofitting to emergency damage assessments during disasters.

About the nonprofit organization 'People-Homes-Cities Safety Support Organization' (LSO)

The nonprofit organization 'People-Homes-Cities Safety Support Organization' (LSO) conducts symposiums, training sessions for architects, dispatches seismic assessment personnel, and other activities.

Since organizing the event 'Preparing for Anticipated Mega-Earthquakes' as part of a citizen forum in 2005, LSO has partnered with Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, and others to carry out over 900 activities promoting seismic awareness at municipal levels.

With Habikino City, LSO has co-hosted nine events since 2018 (Heisei 30), including lectures, consultation sessions, and exhibitions, advancing initiatives on residential seismic safety.

In 2024 (Reiwa 6), the organization was awarded the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Commendation for its contributions during Housing Month.

Organization name: People-Homes-Cities Safety Support Organization (LSO) Founded: June 16, 2004 Address: 8th Floor, Yokoyama Building, 2-5-5 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Activities: Organizing symposiums, lectures, consultation events; outreach lectures; training for architects; dispatching seismic assessment personnel; operating consultation desks

Inquiries

Habikino City, Urban Development Department, Building and Housing Division

TEL: 072-958-1111 (ext. 2273)

mail: kenchikujyutaku@city.habikino.lg.jp