[Saga City] Peace of mind in emergencies comes from bonds in peacetime: Saga City and Yonaguni Town prepare for heartfelt acceptance of evacuees

Saga City has officially launched preparations to warmly accept residents of Yonaguni Town, Okinawa, in the event of an emergency. On May 15, Mayor Hidetaka Sakai visited Yonaguni Town, engaging in direct discussions with Mayor Uechi and local leaders who support daily life there. Understanding the profound anxiety of potentially having to leave one's home, Saga City is moving forward with a two-pronged approach: practical preparations such as creating an 'acceptance manual,' and fostering 'heart-to-heart connections' through traditional performing arts and other cultural exchanges.

Mayor Sakai held dialogues not only with local government officials but also with representatives from commerce, tourism, and social welfare, as well as leaders from community halls. He heard voices of concern regarding long-term evacuation, including livelihoods, work, and the schooling of children. Having visited the area and observed daily life firsthand, the mayor felt a direct, deeply felt connection to the plight of those who might be forced to leave their homes.

To ensure a place where people can truly feel at ease during a crisis, everyday bonds are paramount. Saga City will continue ongoing practical discussions to concrete these 'preparations,' such as creating a unique acceptance manual and building collaborative systems with relevant agencies. Simultaneously, the city will prioritize exchanges that foster mutual respect for each other's cultures. In November of the Reiwa 7 (2025) fiscal year, traditional performing arts were showcased at the Saga Station Square Exchange Plaza, attracting approximately 7,000 spectators over two days. The city intends to continue exposing its citizens to the wonderful traditional arts and culture of the island, nurturing warm, visible, and enduring relationships.

This plan does not conclude with Saga City alone. By cooperating with national and prefectural governments, as well as Tosu City—which is also conducting acceptance preparations—the city aims to deliver peace of mind to the people of Yonaguni. Efforts will be made to strengthen information sharing and coordination among related organizations so that residents can evacuate with peace of mind if they ever have to leave the island.

Comment from Mayor Sakai:
'Having visited the site and heard directly from those on the front lines of daily life, I truly feel the gravity of the decision to leave one's home. That is why I do not want to provide merely a 'place of evacuation.' I will thoroughly plan how to support future lives, including health and education for children after evacuation. With the 'practicality' of preparation and the 'heart-to-heart connection' of exchange, I will bridge peacetime and crisis, creating a warm relationship where we can feel familiar with the people of Yonaguni at all times.'