Evolution of the Japanese case as an international reference in education for disaster risk reduction

Abstract

This article offers the analysis of education for disaster risk reduction in Japan. This country has been selected as it is considered to be the reference on education for risk reduction. In fact the Three World Conferences in Disaster Risk Reduction (Yokohama 1994, Hyogo 2005 and Sendai 2015) have taken place in the Japanese territory. The methodology of the article lays on the historical study of the conceptual change of education for risk reduction. At the first stage only some measures in order to palliate disasters were adopted, at present, Japan offers an integrated model that tackles the risk management. The text offers a description of the Japanese model study starting from the l961 Law that regulates the participation of all administrative levels with defined functions in the integrated system. The Japanese model also has introduced in the curriculum two key strategies: the introduction of contents referred to risk reduction management in main subjects and a specific timetable for integrated study designed by the teachers. In fact teachers are considered to be key actors in the disaster risk reduction not only for the training they receive but also for the commitment with the community. In this sense the article refers to the work of the civil society, in particular through the volunteer association, that many times surpass the work of the Ministry of Education. The article ends with some brief conclusions concerning the Japanese model.