A day to prey for Reduced Landslide Damage

Today, and July 7th annually is Hoping together for the mitigation of sediment-related disasters day みんなで土砂災害の減災を願う日 in Japan. This day was established by a volunteer group in Komatsushima City, Tokushima, called the “July 7 Landslide Damage Reduction Day Promotion Committee,” founded by Kenji Sawauchi.

The idea grew out of the devastating events of early July 2018, when record‑breaking rainfall struck western Japan and the Tokai region.  Reservoirs burst, slopes collapsed, and widespread landslides occurred across many communities. The disaster revealed how easily familiar places, ponds, cliffs, embankments, can become dangerous during extreme weather.

The purpose of the day is to encourage people to learn about the reservoirs, slopes, and geological features in their own neighborhoods, and to understand the risks they may pose. By increasing awareness, the hope is to reduce future landslide damage, even if only a little. And because today is Tanabata, a day of hopes and wishes, July 7th made a fitting day for the observance.