Key Facts
• August 3: Disaster preparedness event held in Ishikari, Hokkaido.
• Event introduced AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) for the first time.
• Participants experienced earthquake and tsunami simulations.
• July 30: Earthquake near Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings.
• A boy described the tsunami simulation as ‘too real, it felt like the real thing.’
• Attendees included children on summer vacation and other visitors.
• Activities included riding high-altitude work vehicles.
Summary
On August 3, Ishikari City in Hokkaido hosted a disaster preparedness event featuring AR and VR technology for the first time. The event allowed participants, including children on summer vacation, to simulate the dangers of earthquakes and tsunamis. Inspired by the July 30 earthquake near the Kamchatka Peninsula, the simulations provided a realistic experience, with one boy remarking that the tsunami felt ‘too real.’ Other activities included riding high-altitude work vehicles, offering a hands-on approach to disaster awareness.
