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Date 08 September 2021

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Depending on the COVID-19 situation, information contained in this article may be subject to change. Please check the website(s) below for the latest information. Before going out, please check for the latest information on the COVID-19 situation. Thank you for taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
※The September edition was produced on the basis of information accurate as of August 17.

A Perfect Day in Tokyo 9/2021

Experience the terror of natural disasters while having fun!
The Honjo Life Safety Learning Center (Sumida-ku)

An earthquake simulation that replicates complex vibrations
An earthquake simulation that replicates complex vibrations
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September 1st is Disaster Preparedness Day. Here, we want to introduce to you the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center where you can learn how to protect yourselves from disasters in fun ways.

What characterizes the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center, one of the three Life Safety Learning Centers located in Tokyo, is its focus on storm and flood damage. While you can tour the center on your own, we strongly recommend that you try its 1-hour 45-minute Disaster Prevention Experience Tour to experience simulations of different kinds of natural hazards from earthquakes to storm and flood damage and fire. The tour starts with an earthquake-themed movie. The theater’s seats vibrate in synchrony with images on the screen to make you feel as if you are in a real disaster situation. After the movie, a knowledgeable instructor will guide you around the center’s different sections that have the latest facilities.

The chief attraction of the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center is the Earthquake Experience Corner which was renovated this April. In this corner, you can experience past earthquakes, such as the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake of 2018, through simulations. You will be shaken so strongly in these simulations that you won’t be able to think properly because you are so scared. Learning that this happens in just 20 to 30 seconds, you will become painfully aware of how important it is to prepare yourselves for disasters from normal times.

The sections available only at this center are also a must-see: the urban flooding section where you wade through images of flooded streets displayed in your virtual reality headset, and the rainstorm section where you stand in strong winds with driving rain. When participating in these simulation exercises, we want you to try imagining yourselves in situations where you actually need to evacuate. You will be sure to strongly sense the need to take actions early (the urban flooding and rainstorm sections are currently not open due to COVID-19).

Only fifth graders or older can participate in all of the corners at the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center, but some corners are even open to children under school age. Both adults and children can have such a fun time learning at this center that half a day may be not enough. Use this center to learn about the dangers of natural hazards and to think about actions to save lives.

A rainstorm simulation with a precipitation rate of 50mm/hour an
A rainstorm simulation with a precipitation rate of 50mm/hour and wind speed of a 30m/second

Alight at Kinshicho Station on the JR or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, or at Oshiage Station on the Keisei Oshiage Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line, or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. The Honjo Life Safety Learning Center is a 10-minute walk from these stations.

Phone: 03-3621-0119. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. for the time being). Closed on Wednesdays, third Thursdays, and the year-end and New Year period. Currently, reservations by phone, etc., are required to enter the center.
Website (external link)

※This article is also available in other languages. (日本語中文한국어)