Lessons from the 2018 Western Japan Floods to Be Passed to the Next Generation — Online Symposium on June 28

The Disaster Management Training Center Support Association (DMTC-SA) will host the 'June 28 Symposium: Never Forget the Western Japan Floods 2026' online on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

This symposium aims to preserve the lessons from the 2018 Western Japan floods and pass them on to the next generation. It will explore future disaster prevention and mitigation strategies by examining the unexpected challenges ('unforeseen barriers') faced at disaster sites.

The event is part of a three-year initiative from 2026 to 2028, with plans for an in-person symposium in Okayama Prefecture in 2028.

It has been nearly eight years since the devastating Western Japan floods of 2018.

However, heavy rainfall disasters continue to occur frequently across Japan, highlighting the growing importance of collectively preserving disaster memories and lessons across society.

Against this backdrop, DMTC-SA is organizing the symposium with cooperation from the Disaster Management Training Center (DMTC) at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, and with sponsorship from Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, Kurashiki City, and Sōja City.

The symposium's theme is 'Unforeseen Barriers Revealed by On-Site Realities.'

Prior to the main event, pre-symposium workshops for Disaster Management Specialists will be held on May 31, June 7, and June 14. During the symposium, each group will present challenges and insights encountered during disaster response, recovery, and reconstruction, fostering cross-disciplinary discussions.

The symposium will systematize disaster management into '7 domains and 47 types' to clarify preparedness measures before disasters strike, exploring shared approaches to disaster prevention and mitigation among government, businesses, and local residents.

Additionally, building community-based disaster resilience that does not solely rely on public support is a key topic, especially amid ongoing population decline and workforce shortages. The event will feature keynote speeches by experts and practical case studies to provide a platform for discussing collaborative public-private disaster response.

[Event Overview]

Event Name

June 28 Symposium: Never Forget the Western Japan Floods 2026

Date and Time

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 13:00–17:00 JST

* Related pre-event workshops for Disaster Management Specialists are currently being conducted

Format

Online (via Google Meet)

* Viewing URL will be sent to registrants

Registration

Fee: Free

Capacity: 100 participants (limited access)

▶ Registration Form * Registration closes once capacity is reached

Keynote Speaker

Sakiko Kamihara, Ph.D.

- Professor, Department of Fundamental Nursing, Kobe University School of Nursing (Disaster Nursing, International Nursing) - Representative Director, EpiNurse (General Incorporated Association) - Visiting Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Kochi University - Associate Member, Science Council of Japan - Visiting Professor, Udayana University, Indonesia

[Organizers, Collaborators, and Sponsors]

Organizer: DMTC-SA (Disaster Management Training Center Support Association)

Collaborator: DMTC (Disaster Management Training Center, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo)

Sponsors: Okayama Prefecture, Okayama City, Kurashiki City, Sōja City

Organizing Committee: June 28 Symposium Organizing Committee: Never Forget the Western Japan Floods

[About the Disaster Management Training Center (DMTC), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo]

DMTC operates under three core principles: 'Advancing the knowledge of disaster management,' 'Nurturing individuals who drive disaster management forward,' and 'Creating spaces for dialogue.' The center is committed to cultivating diverse talent and addressing global-scale challenges facing humanity.

Director: Kimio Meguro

Address: Be-503, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan

Established: October 13, 2018 (Heisei 30)

[About the Disaster Management Training Center Support Association (DMTC-SA)]

The Disaster Management Training Center Support Association (DMTC-SA) is a general incorporated association established solely to support the Disaster Management Training Center (DMTC) at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. DMTC-SA manages the 'Disaster Management Specialist®' certification program and supports various programs and events hosted by DMTC.