“Preparedness is part of everyday life”: What 14 Years in Japan Taught Me About Emergency Planning
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Interview with Sylvain – Belgian by birth, former resident of Japan
At Directive72.eu, we believe that sharing real experiences from different parts of the world can help us understand how people approach emergency preparedness in everyday life.
We had the chance to speak with Sylvain, who grew up in Belgium and spent 14 years living in Japan. His insights reflect a cultural mindset where being prepared is simply part of being responsible — something Europe is only starting to embrace.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Japan?
Sure. I’m originally from Belgium, where I spent my childhood and teenage years. I moved to Japan in my early twenties to study, and I ended up staying for 14 years — first in Tokyo, then later in Sendai and Osaka for work. I was mostly involved in translation, education, but I also did some HR jobs like recruiting for Westerners willing to work in Japan.
Living in Japan wasn’t just a professional journey, it changed the way I look at daily life, especially when it comes to risk and long-term thinking. Japan is incredibly safe in many ways, but it's also a country where the population has learned to live with the constant threat of natural disasters. That shapes your mindset.
How would you say people in Japan view emergency preparedness? Is it something most families think about?
Absolutely, it’s part of the culture. In Japan, being prepared is not seen as paranoid or excessive. It’s just common sense. Whether it’s earthquakes, typhoons, or even volcanic activity, everyone knows that emergencies aren’t a matter of if, but when.
Even children know what to do during an earthquake. There are regular drills at school, evacuation signs on the streets, and clear instructions in almost every public space. Families often keep “go-bags” near the door, and many people stock food and water at home as a normal precaution. It’s not dramatic. It’s practical.
What kind of emergencies do people usually prepare for there?
The most common ones are definitely earthquakes and typhoons, but there’s also a general awareness of tsunamis and flooding, especially in coastal or low-lying areas.
After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which I experienced firsthand while living in Sendai, the level of public awareness increased significantly. The event really cemented the idea that preparedness saves lives, and the government took major steps to improve infrastructure, communication systems, and public education.
You also see a lot of private companies and even apartment buildings with their own emergency supply kits, it’s not just a household thing.
How is preparedness talked about in schools, the media, or at work?
It’s very visible. Schools have regular evacuation drills, often multiple times a year. Kids are taught what to do from a very young age, it becomes second nature. Media outlets also take it seriously: if a typhoon is approaching, public TV channels show emergency preparation tips, storm tracking, and safety protocols non-stop.
Workplaces also participate in safety drills, especially larger corporations. Many companies even provide emergency supplies for employees who might get stranded during a disaster, like bottled water, food rations, portable toilets, or emergency blankets.
What’s interesting is that none of this feels like fear-mongering. It’s approached with calm and realism. It’s just part of how society functions, and that’s something I really admire.
Have you noticed any changes over the years in how people think about being prepared?
Yes, definitely. As I mentioned, the 2011 disaster was a turning point. Before that, some people were prepared, others not so much. But after that year, there was a clear shift. Everyone suddenly understood how fragile things can be, electricity, water, transportation, all of it can vanish in a few minutes.
I also think that climate change has played a role. Typhoons have become stronger and more unpredictable, so people are now preparing more seriously than ever. The government has also improved alert systems and made apps that push warnings directly to your phone. It’s more accessible now, and people trust it.
Since you've lived abroad, how would you compare the attitude toward preparedness between Japan and where you live now?
Now that I’m back in Europe, I can really feel the difference. In Belgium, for example, emergency preparedness isn’t part of daily life. People often assume that the government will take care of everything. There’s not much emphasis on personal responsibility when it comes to being ready for disruptions.
In Japan, I think people understand that preparedness is a shared effort. You can’t just rely on external systems — you have to be part of the solution. It’s not about fear, it’s about being useful when something happens.
I’m starting to see more awareness growing in Europe, especially after the pandemic and the energy crisis. Initiatives like Directive72.eu or others are important, because they show that being ready doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be done.
Do you personally have an emergency kit or a plan in case something happens?
Yes, I’ve kept the habit. I always have a small bag with essentials: flashlight, power bank, emergency food, water purification tablets, copies of important documents, and some first aid items.
In my car, I also keep a basic emergency kit, and at home I try to have at least a few days’ worth of water and food. I don’t consider myself a hardcore prepper, it’s just common sense, especially when you’ve lived somewhere where the unexpected is part of life.
Was there a moment or an experience that made you realize how important it is to be prepared?
Definitely the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. I was in Sendai when it hit. Electricity went out, phone lines were down, public transportation was completely frozen. Even ATMs stopped working. Some areas were flooded, others cut off for days.
The people who had basic supplies, food, water, light — were calm. The ones who didn’t, panicked quickly. That event showed me that being prepared is not about survivalist fantasies, it’s about stability, dignity, and peace of mind.
For someone just starting to think about preparedness, what’s one simple piece of advice you would give?
Start small. Don’t try to prepare for everything at once. Just ask yourself: “What would I need to get through a few days without outside help?” Then build from there.
A flashlight. Some bottled water. A portable charger. A list of contacts written on paper. Even a cheap whistle.
These small things can make a huge difference, and once you take that first step, you’ll naturally want to go further.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about why being prepared matters?
Preparedness isn’t about being afraid. It’s about being ready to act calmly when something unexpected happens — for yourself, and for others. Whether you live in Tokyo or Toulouse, we all face risks. The key difference is whether we meet them blind, or with a plan.
Preparedness isn’t an obsession. It’s just another form of responsibility — and a gift to the people around you.