Japan Childcare Disaster Prevention Association to Hold Online “Childcare Disaster Prevention Conference 2026” in July 2026

The Japan Childcare Disaster Prevention Association, led by Representative Director Shintaro Nishihata, will hold the online event “Childcare Disaster Prevention Conference 2026” for staff at kindergartens, nursery schools, and certified childcare centers over five days from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026. Under the theme of turning disaster prevention from “knowledge” into “action,” the conference offers practical learning on the ability to act effectively in childcare settings during disasters. The previous event drew a record 2,839 viewers and achieved a 97% satisfaction rate. In recent years, natural disasters such as earthquakes and torrential rains have become more frequent, making disaster preparedness in childcare settings increasingly important. While preparations such as manuals and emergency stockpiles have progressed, opportunities to learn practically how to act on-site during an actual disaster remain limited. Against this backdrop, the Childcare Disaster Prevention Conference has been held since 2022, with six editions to date. The most recent event recorded its highest-ever viewership of 2,839 participants and received a strong 97% satisfaction rating. In childcare settings in particular, the safety and quick judgment of staff members on the front line of protecting children’s lives directly affect the quality of evacuation actions. However, the ability to make immediate decisions and act under unexpected circumstances is difficult to acquire through knowledge alone. The purpose of this conference is to transform disaster prevention from “knowing” to “being prepared,” and further into practical capability that enables people to act without hesitation in emergencies. At the moment a disaster strikes, what children truly need is not a perfect manual or an ideal theory, but for the adults in front of them to be safe. For staff members to survive is not an act of putting themselves first; it is a responsibility and prerequisite for protecting children’s lives. No matter how strong one’s intentions may be, if adults cannot act, they cannot save the lives they otherwise could. The year 2026 will focus on turning “knowing and preparing” into concrete actions usable in the field, and connecting disaster prevention to everyday childcare practice. To truly realize a child-centered approach, adults must first be able to secure their own safety and act reliably. This event will be held as a starting point for that practice. The event is recommended for directors and staff of nursery schools, kindergartens, and certified childcare centers; parents and school personnel interested in disaster prevention; and municipal officials or others involved in local disaster prevention. Event overview: The conference will be held online via Zoom from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026, over five days. Advance registration is required. Participation is free. The organizer is the Japan Childcare Disaster Prevention Association. Notes: After submitting the registration form, participants will receive the viewing URL by email. Video or audio disruptions may occur. Recording the streamed content is prohibited. The ending time may vary. Please do not post the viewing URL on social media or share it with others. The conference is also seeking sponsor companies and supporting organizations that agree with its mission. The organizer aims to collaborate with companies and organizations in childcare, education, and disaster prevention to promote practical disaster prevention in the field and help build environments that protect children’s lives. For details on sponsorship or support, please contact the organizer. Organizer: Japan Childcare Disaster Prevention Association. Address: Kioicho WITH 3F, 3-32 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan. Representative Director: Shintaro Nishihata.