Ambassador Natsuko Godai Visits Onomichi Prison Branch Implementing a Shelter Dog Training Program

The "Riku & Natsu Co-sheltering Promotion Project," led by singer Natsuko Godai since July 2023, aims to create a society where people and pets can safely evacuate to the same indoor space in the event of a sudden disaster. Its activities focus not only on disaster preparedness but also on helping to raise pet owners' awareness of co-sheltering and communicating the importance of evacuating with pets.

As part of her shelter dog activities, Ambassador Natsuko Godai visited the Onomichi Prison Branch of Hiroshima Prison on Monday, March 23rd, where she toured the facility and held a discussion.

■Discussion Held on Pet Evacuation During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

At the Onomichi Prison Branch, an initiative is underway in collaboration with certified NPO Peace Winds Japan to support the rehabilitation of inmates by having them raise dogs rescued by Peace Winds Japan.

Under the guidance of Peace Winds Japan, inmates receive training to build trust with shelter dogs and learn how to interact with them. Through living with these dogs, inmates are expected to undergo personal growth, developing empathy, compassion for others, and kindness, which are crucial for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

After hearing from the branch director about the program's achievements, including positive changes observed in the inmates themselves, such as proactively thinking about the shelter dogs and consulting with project staff while living together, we were given an actual tour of the facility.