Seasons & Episodes
Tsunami
Japan has a long history of natural disasters. BOSAI explores how to overcome them and save lives with the power of scie
Urban Flooding
Japan's cities are often located in low-lying areas along rivers and are paved with concrete and asphalt, putting them a
Urban Windstorms
Typhoon Jebi, which struck Osaka Prefecture in 2018, is said to be the first typhoon to have hit a modern metropolis in
Long-period Ground Motion and A New Threat
In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, high-rise buildings in Tokyo's Shinjuku district, some 400 kilometers away from
Localized Torrential Rain
Localized torrential rain is occurring with greater frequency in Japan. Flash floods from the heavy rain not only cause
Debris Flows
An increase in heavy rainfall in recent years has made debris flows a frequent problem in Japan. We'll look at research
Mt. Fuji's Threat to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji has been an object of faith for many Japanese. On the other hand, it has also caused numerous disasters with re
Heatstroke
In Japan, the temperature is continuing to rise due to the effects of global warming and heatstroke cases are also on th
Home Flooding
The 2018 torrential rains in western Japan killed 51 people in the Kurashiki City town of Mabi in Okayama Prefecture. Ma
Tornadoes
Japan experiences an average of 23 tornadoes per year. They often cause serious damage when they strike in populated are
Post-earthquake Fire
In 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck Japan's Hyogo Prefecture early in the morning. Immediately after the
Avalanches
Avalanches occur suddenly, damaging houses and injuring people. Many of the avalanches that occurred in Yamanashi Prefec
Lightning
As a natural threat that can suddenly occur any time of the year at nearly any place around the world, lightning is form
Soil Liquefaction
The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 caused unprecedented damage. Even areas 300 kilometers away from the epicenter s
PM2.5
PM2.5 are extremely small particles. The WHO estimates that every year PM2.5 is responsible for 2.4 million premature de
Tsunami Prediction
The Great East Japan Earthquake and the massive tsunami that followed caused unprecedented damage along the coast of the
Human Stampede
What is a human stampede? It is a disaster in which people are so crowded together that they push and squeeze against ea
Disaster Response Robots
The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and its resulting tsunami caused the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear P
Phreatic Eruptions
Mt. Ontake is located on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures. Standing 3,067 meters above sea level, it is a popul
Linear Rainbands
Linear rainbands. Once they occur, the area is hit with heavy downpour for an extended period of time, resulting in floo
Road Cave-ins
In November 2021, the surface of a road in Mikasa, Hokkaido Prefecture suddenly caved in. A car fell into the large hole
Solar Flares
In February 2022, an American space exploration company simultaneously launched 49 satellites. Yet not long after, 40 of
Typhoon Forecasting
More than 10 typhoons hit the Japanese archipelago in an average year. Their strong winds and heavy rains can cause floo
Storm Surges
When a typhoon or similar storm approaches, air pressure drops and the sea surface is sucked up. Strong winds also push
Heavy Snow
In recent years, heavy snow has been falling frequently in Japan. While the overall amount of snowfall per winter has be
Landslides
In April 2018, a landslide occurred on a hill behind houses in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. The landslide moved sedime
Quake-resistant Skyscrapers
On March 11, 2011, a huge earthquake occurred off Japan's Tohoku coast. Skyscrapers 400 kilometers away in Tokyo's Shinj
Tsunami Observation
One of the most important things to do to save lives from a major tsunami is to evacuate to safety as soon as possible.
River Flooding
River flooding happens when heavy rain causes river levels to rise and overflow with large amounts of water. In recent y
Fire Tornadoes
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 was one of the worst disasters in Japanese history. A magnitude 7.9 earthquake center
Lava Flows
The 1983 eruption of Tokyo's Miyake Island resulted in the burial or loss of approximately 400 houses as well as a schoo
Large-Scale Blackouts
In September 2018, the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake knocked out power of the entire region, affecting up to 2.95 mi
Active Faults
Earthquakes destroy many buildings and take lives. One cause of earthquakes is an active fault. The impact of a sudden d
Ensuring a Safe Journey in Japan
The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been on the rise since the COVID travel restrictions have been lifted. Howev
Droughts
Droughts are increasing due to global warming. The latest simulations predict that megadroughts could occur along the Me
Wildfires
Wildfires are increasing worldwide and global warming is accelerating the risk. Find out about Japan's unique system for
Tokyo Metropolis
Tokyo is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding. Discover the most advanced disaster prevention tec
Osaka Metropolis
Osaka, a city that thrives on rivers, has faced countless flood damage. Find out the latest measures protecting the city
Emergency Food
Find out about Japan's emergency food options that meet the needs of various people. Also discover the rolling stock met
Tsunami Evacuation
In this episode, we look at Japan's efforts to improve tsunami evacuation, from overcoming "normalcy bias" that causes p
How to Survive an Earthquake
Be earthquake-ready! Learn survival tips for quakes and when you're trapped under rubble. You'll want to watch this befo
How to Survive a Flood
What does it take to survive a flood? Japan has developed survival skills for floods through experiences such as typhoon
Drone Disaster Management
Drones are proving particularly useful in the area of disaster response. Now, Osaka University is developing the world's
Send in the Robot Fire Brigade!
The world's first robot fire brigade has been developed in Japan. See how these incredible robots equipped with AI can t
Safety Tips for Hiking in Japan
Many mountains in Japan that attract tourists are active volcanoes. Learn safety tips for climbing and the latest on eru
Digital Twin
In 2021, digital twin technology analyzed a landslide in Atami and prevented further disasters. Find out how it is also
Scientists on a Quest to Control Typhoons
Typhoons are expected to intensify in the future, but can they be controlled? Find out about a national project that exp
Uncovering the Mysteries of Winter Lightning
In Japan, extremely powerful lightning known as a superbolt can occur in the Hokuriku region during winter. What is the
Phase Free - Disaster Preparedness in Everyday Life
Phase Free is a disaster preparedness concept that does not distinguish between everyday life and emergency situations.
For Safe Travel Through Snowy Regions
Japan's snow is a big draw for tourists, but snow and ice can also pose dangers to drivers. We'll look at some Japanese
Japan Self-Defense Forces Disaster Prevention
We look at Self-Defense Forces disaster prep, including their response team's special equipment and techniques, and a ne
Sendai Metropolis
In this episode, we'll look at how Sendai has transformed into a disaster-resilient city with its "multiple defenses" -
Metropolis Tokyo Shibuya
Shibuya is one of Japan's most famous tourist spots, but the low-lying city is also at risk of flooding and earthquakes.
How Tokyo Skytree Deals with Disaster
Tokyo Skytree, one of Japan's most famous tourist attractions, is equipped with a variety of countermeasures against dis
Disaster Preparedness for Companion Animals
Over 15,000 pets lost their lives in the 2011 quake. Discover how smart collars and instant shelter units are changing
Kyoto
The historic city of Kyoto faces threats of landslides and post-earthquake fires. What modern systems defend this ancien
Preventing Marine Disasters
In summer, accidents near the beach are a constant occurrence. But new technologies using smart devices are helping to p
Large-Scale Logistics Facilities
Massive logistics facilities underpin online retail, but their robust warehouse structures, state-of-the-art seismic iso
Immersive Disaster Preparedness Training
Disaster training is advancing with digital technology. See how AR/VR technology is helping participants gain realistic
Disaster Preparedness from Space
Explore how Japan uses artificial satellites and surface observation to quickly assess flood and earthquake damage, supp
Nankai Trough Megaquake
A Nankai Trough megaquake is expected to cause severe damage. In this episode, we will examine how Japan is preparing fo
Protecting Cultural Properties from Disaster
From protecting valuable ceramics to reinforcing World Heritage structures, we'll see how the latest disaster preparedne
The Evolution of Volcanic Disaster Prediction Technology
Japan is one of the most volcanically active nations. Its world-leading research on volcanic disasters has led to new te
Reducing the Danger from Bear Encounters
Bear encounters are happening more frequently all over Japan. We'll look at new technologies to reduce the danger they p
Extensive Underground Infrastructure
A major Tokyo quake could leave many stranded in Marunouchi, one of Japan's leading business districts. We'll examine it
Disaster Response Robots
Robots are garnering attention for their potential in disaster areas. We'll look at the cutting-edge initiatives aimed a
Upgrading Dams for a Changing Climate
Climate change is causing heavy rainfalls, emergencies that force dams to release water. This episode looks at dam upgra
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