Students and Residents Unite in Disaster Drill at Iwanishi Elementary School in Toyohashi, Aichi: 'Protect Your Own Life'

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a disaster preparedness drill simulating the Nankai Trough earthquake was conducted at Iwanishi Elementary School in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, involving students, teachers, and local residents. Participants learned emergency self-protection techniques, gathered in designated evacuation classrooms, imagined disaster scenarios, and cultivated the mindset of 'protecting one's own life.'

The drill was part of the 'Toyohashi School Life Day' initiative (observed on June 18), aimed at equipping students with the ability to act calmly and safely during emergencies, while also enhancing crisis awareness among school staff. This marks the second time—and the first in two years—that the Iwanishi district neighborhood association (Disaster Prevention Council) and Iwanishi Elementary School have jointly conducted such a drill.

Grades 1 and 2: Smoke Experience and Learning 'Ohashimo'

First and second graders participated in a smoke-filled room simulation to experience a fire evacuation. Covering their mouths with handkerchiefs and crouching low, they navigated blindly through a smoke-filled science classroom. Staff from the city's Disaster and Crisis Management Division taught the evacuation mantra 'Ohashimo'—'O' (don't push), 'Ha' (don't run), 'Shi' (don't speak), 'Mo' (don't go back)—emphasizing, 'Especially important is not going back. Damage worsens over time during disasters. Never return—remember this clearly.'

Grades 3 and 4: Hands-on Fire Extinguisher Training

Third and fourth graders practiced using water fire extinguishers. Participants, including parents and local residents, learned the procedure: pull the safety pin, aim the hose nozzle at the fire, and squeeze the lever. Adults who participated commented, 'I didn’t know how to use a fire extinguisher before—this experience was really valuable.'

Grades 5 and 6: Experiencing Magnitude 7 Shaking in a Simulated Quake Vehicle

Fifth and sixth graders boarded a quake simulation vehicle to experience the maximum intensity level 7 shaking expected during a Nankai Trough earthquake. Students imagined what it would be like if such a quake struck their homes, reinforcing their understanding of the importance of securing furniture.

Demonstration of Cardboard Beds and Portable Toilets for Evacuation Centers

In the gymnasium, items useful in evacuation centers were displayed, including privacy tents, cardboard beds, and emergency portable toilets. Students tried sitting on the portable toilets and shared impressions such as, 'It feels safe inside the tent,' and 'It’s just like a regular toilet.'

Additionally, a moral education class was held to deepen students’ understanding of the value and sanctity of life.

Imagining Life in an Evacuation Center and Preparing Accordingly

In the event of a disaster making home living difficult due to collapsed buildings, the Iwanishi district designates the East Lifelong Learning Center as the primary evacuation center and Iwanishi Elementary School as the secondary. At the end of the drill, students and residents entered actual designated classrooms by neighborhood, experiencing the reality of multiple people evacuating into a single classroom.

A disaster prevention lecture followed via public address system. A staff member from the Disaster and Crisis Management Division explained, 'You’ll likely be sleeping among many people, making it hard to rest. To ensure you can stay comfortably at home, please take earthquake preparedness seriously—secure furniture, apply shatterproof film to glass, and reinforce your home’s seismic resistance.' The importance of using the disaster preparedness app 'Hazardon' was also highlighted. The speaker continued, 'Reflect today on how you can protect your own life. We hope you develop the mindset to protect yourselves and help others around you.'

Kondo Koichi, head of the Iwanishi district neighborhood association (Disaster Prevention Council), said, 'When the Nankai Trough earthquake strikes, we hope everyone uses today’s experience to protect their lives.' Principal Yamaoka Ryosuke added, 'What truly matters during disasters is human connection. Evacuation centers will host not only children but also community members. Knowing each other’s faces and having exchanged greetings beforehand creates a strong sense of security. I hope today’s drill deepens the bond between our school and the community.'

The event reaffirmed the importance of daily household preparedness and strong community ties in readiness for the Nankai Trough earthquake.