Would you know what to do during a disaster in Japan?

When a major disaster strikes, I think knowing what to do would be difficult enough even if you're in your home country. However, what happens when you're living here in Japan and you're not completely familiar with the language, disaster procedures, or even the idea of going to an evacuation center? That's the reality for some foreign residents in Kumamoto following the earthquake that struck the prefecture late last month.

In the aftermath, foreign residents have faced difficulties accessing food, water and information, with things like language barriers and unfamiliarity with Japan's evacuation system adding to the challenges. The article I linked above mentioned that community groups like the Vietnamese association in Kumamoto have stepped in to help, and have delivered supplies and support to foreign residents regardless of nationality.

For many of us in Japan's expat community, it's a good reminder that living here doesn't mean we necessarily know how to respond when disaster strikes. Probably a good time to check where your local evacuation center is, and ensure your emergency kit is well stocked (or put one together if you haven't already!)