Tottori Prefecture, Japan, has fully established a multilingual disaster support system to ensure the safety of local foreign residents, international students, and foreign workers in the event of natural disasters.
In cooperation with the Tottori International Exchange Foundation, Tottori Prefecture announced that it has built an operational framework for the "Prefectural Disaster Multilingual Support Center," which will activate immediately when a major disaster strikes.
Real-Time Information Delivery in 3 Languages During Disasters
Under this initiative, if a special warning is issued in Tottori Prefecture or an earthquake measuring upper 5 or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale occurs—leading to the establishment of the prefecture's disaster countermeasure headquarters—the Multilingual Support Center will open simultaneously within the Tottori International Exchange Foundation.
The support center will use the foundation's official website and social media channels to provide essential information, including disaster updates, evacuation center locations, and safety guidelines, in three languages.
- Supported Languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Distribution Channels: Tottori International Exchange Foundation website and official social media
Three-Way Call Consultations and On-Site Interpreter Dispatches
Going beyond simple information delivery, the center will also operate comprehensive consultation and on-site support services, allowing foreign residents to request assistance directly.
In addition to email and walk-in consultations, the center will provide real-time interpretation for phone inquiries using a three-way call service. Furthermore, if on-site assistance is deemed urgent, a dedicated team composed of interpreters and prefectural government staff will be dispatched directly to evacuation centers.
Working in close coordination with the Disaster Welfare Assistance Team (DWAT), the center also plans to confirm the identity of foreign residents staying at evacuation shelters and continuously identify practical living support needs, such as food and hygiene.
Lessons from 2016 Earthquake: Preventing Isolation of Foreigners in Disasters
Tottori Prefecture's decision to set up this multilingual support system was prompted by lessons learned during the Tottori Earthquake in October 2016.
At the time, some foreign residents in the area reported that they did not receive adequate protection because they "did not even know what an evacuation center was." Institutional enhancements were made to ensure no foreign resident is marginalized during disasters due to language barriers or cultural differences.
For foreigners living or studying in Japan, natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and floods cause significant anxiety. As local governments strengthen language support and community welfare services, these measures are expected to help foreign residents evacuate quickly and safely during emergencies.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 読売新聞