Key Facts
• On June 30, 4th graders at Akatsuka Elementary School attended an online class.
• The class was conducted in collaboration with Kanazawa City’s Crisis Management Division.
• Kanazawa and Itabashi have been friendship cities since 2008.
• Kanazawa official Hiroshi Inoue introduced the city’s geography and gold leaf production (100%).
• Students were surprised to learn Kanazawa produces 100% of Japan’s gold leaf.
• Takaki Shinoda from Kanazawa discussed the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
• Key topics included disaster preparedness, lifelines, and evacuation center challenges.
• Students learned that toilets were the biggest issue for evacuees during disasters.
• A Q&A session revealed evacuees passed time with card games and reading.
• Teachers emphasized the importance of firsthand accounts for student learning.
Summary
On June 30, Akatsuka Elementary School’s 4th graders participated in a special online disaster preparedness class with Kanazawa City. The session highlighted Kanazawa’s geography, gold leaf production, and disaster response strategies, including lessons from the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Students learned about lifelines, evacuation center challenges, and the importance of self-help, mutual aid, and public assistance. Teachers noted the value of firsthand accounts in fostering local pride and deeper understanding.
