'Save yourself': Japan launches new disaster agency, urges citizens to stockpile food and water for seven days

Japan has urged citizens to stockpile food, drinking water and essential supplies, citing the risk of major natural disasters, including a potential Nankai Trough megaquake that has an estimated 90% probability of occurring within the next 30 years.

The advisory comes as Japan officially establishes a new Disaster Prevention Agency on Monday, November 2, to strengthen the country's preparedness and response to large-scale emergencies. The agency will coordinate disaster management efforts across government departments, with particular attention to the risks posed by major earthquakes and a possible eruption of Mount Fuji.

Japan faces several potential natural disasters, including a Nankai Trough earthquake, a major earthquake directly beneath Tokyo, earthquakes along the Japan and Kuril trenches, and a possible Mount Fuji eruption.


The government has stressed that individual preparedness will be critical in the event of a large-scale disaster, as emergency services and government resources may not be able to reach everyone immediately.

Japan's disaster agency issues urgent advisory

Disaster Minister Goshi Hosono has urged citizens to take responsibility for their own safety and prepare for emergencies.

"In the event of a national-level disaster, there are limits to what the government can do alone, so it is necessary for each and every citizen to protect their own life," Hosono said in the advisory.

The government has asked residents to take several precautionary measures, including checking the earthquake resistance of their homes, securing furniture and appliances, identifying evacuation routes and maintaining emergency supplies.

Authorities have specifically advised people living in houses constructed before 1981 to undergo seismic assessments. Residents have also been encouraged to consider reinforcing vulnerable sections of their homes, particularly bedrooms and living rooms, if comprehensive renovations are financially difficult.

The advisory warns that unsecured furniture and appliances could fall during a major earthquake, potentially trapping residents even if their buildings remain structurally intact.

How much food and water should Japanese citizens stockpile?

The government has asked households to maintain at least three days' worth of food and drinking water, ideally extending their supplies to one week.

"Each person needs 3 liters of drinking water per day, including water for cooking. Also, be sure to stock up on essential supplies such as portable toilets, tissues, and toilet paper. Make it a habit to buy extra of the things you use regularly and replenish them as you use them," the advisory added.

Authorities have suggested adopting a replenishment approach by purchasing additional quantities of regularly used items and replacing them as they are consumed.

Citizens have also been asked to check earthquake vulnerability maps and tsunami hazard maps to understand the risks around their homes and workplaces. They should identify nearby evacuation centres and familiarise themselves with evacuation routes.

"Think about what you'll need immediately and what you'll be in trouble without during an evacuation. Pack these items in a backpack or similar bag and keep it in an easily accessible place, such as the front door, as an emergency kit," added the advisory.

Japan plans regional disaster response centres

Meanwhile, according to a report in The Standard, the country plans to establish regional disaster bureaus, with their locations expected to be finalised by summer 2027. These offices are expected to become operational by July 2028.

As er the report, the Disaster Prevention Agency will also introduce a proactive supply delivery system under which relief materials can be dispatched to affected areas without waiting for requests from local authorities. The measure is intended to speed up the distribution of essential supplies following major disasters.

Japan to monitor 106 disaster preparedness measures

Apart from preparing for future emergencies, the agency will oversee ongoing recovery efforts following the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and the July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, The Standard said.

Hosono has reportedly directed ministries and prefectural governments to submit progress updates on 106 disaster preparedness measures by the end of the year. He has also indicated that he can issue binding recommendations if authorities fail to make adequate progress.