1. National Regulations Governing Evacuation Centers

Evacuation centers in Japan are regulated under national and local disaster management frameworks, primarily guided by the Basic Act on Disaster Management (災害対策基本法, Saigai Taisaku Kihon-hō). This law outlines the responsibilities of the national government, local governments, and citizens in disaster preparedness and response.

• Designation of Evacuation Centers: Local governments (municipalities) are responsible for designating evacuation centers. These are typically public facilities such as schools, community centers, and gymnasiums.
• Types of Evacuation Centers:
  • Evacuation Shelters (避難所, hinanjo): Temporary shelters for people who have been displaced.
  • Designated Emergency Evacuation Sites (指定緊急避難場所, shitei kinkyū hinan basho): Safe locations for immediate evacuation during disasters like tsunamis or landslides.
• Accessibility Requirements: Evacuation centers must be accessible to all, including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and families with small children. Many centers are equipped with ramps, accessible toilets, and other facilities.

---

2. Costs Associated with Evacuation Centers

• Free of Charge: Evacuation centers are free to use for all residents and visitors during emergencies. This includes access to basic necessities such as shelter, water, and food.
• Government-Funded: The costs of operating evacuation centers are covered by local governments, with financial support from the national government when necessary.
• Donations and Aid: In large-scale disasters, additional resources may come from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international aid, and private donations.

---

3. Standard Procedures for Accessing and Using Evacuation Centers

Before a Disaster

1. Identify Your Nearest Evacuation Center:

   • Check with your local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) for a list of designated evacuation centers.
   • Use apps like Yahoo! Disaster Prevention App or NHK Disaster Prevention App, which provide real-time updates and maps of evacuation centers.
   • Look for signs in your neighborhood indicating evacuation routes and centers.

2. Prepare an Emergency Kit:

   • Pack essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, medications, and important documents (passport, residence card, etc.).
   • Include culturally specific items like a pair of indoor slippers, as outdoor shoes are not allowed inside most evacuation centers.

During a Disaster

1. Evacuate Safely:

   • Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities via TV, radio, or smartphone alerts (in Japanese and sometimes English).
   • Head to the nearest evacuation center on foot if possible, as roads may be congested or damaged.

2. Register Upon Arrival:

   • Upon reaching the evacuation center, you will need to register your name, address, and contact information. This helps authorities keep track of evacuees and provide assistance.
   • If you are a foreigner and do not speak Japanese, staff or volunteers may assist you. Some centers have multilingual support or translation devices.

3. Follow the Rules:

   • Respect the rules and guidelines of the evacuation center, which are designed to ensure safety and order. These may include:
     • No smoking or drinking alcohol.
     • Keeping noise levels low.
     • Maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces.

4. Receive Supplies:

   • Basic supplies such as water, food, blankets, and hygiene products are distributed. However, supplies may be limited in the initial stages of a disaster, so it’s advisable to bring your own emergency kit.

After a Disaster

1. Stay Updated:
   • Listen to announcements from authorities regarding the status of the disaster and when it is safe to return home.
2. Seek Additional Assistance:
   • If your home is uninhabitable, local governments may provide temporary housing or financial aid.

---

4. Country-Specific Considerations and Cultural Aspects

Cultural Norms in Evacuation Centers

• Shoes Off Indoors: In line with Japanese customs, you will need to remove your shoes before entering indoor areas of the evacuation center. Bring a pair of indoor slippers for comfort.
• Privacy: Privacy can be limited in evacuation centers, as people often sleep in open spaces like gymnasiums. Some centers provide cardboard partitions or curtains for families.
• Community Spirit: Japanese culture emphasizes cooperation and consideration for others. Be mindful of noise, cleanliness, and personal space.
• Queueing: Expect to queue for supplies, food, and other services. Patience and orderliness are highly valued.

Language Barriers

• While most evacuation centers primarily operate in Japanese, some larger cities (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama) may have multilingual support or volunteers who can assist in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
• Carry a phrasebook or use translation apps like Google Translate to communicate basic needs.

Special Needs

• If you have specific needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, medical conditions), inform the staff upon arrival. They will do their best to accommodate you, though resources may be limited.
• Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities are often given priority for certain services.

Pets

• Not all evacuation centers allow pets. Some municipalities designate specific pet-friendly evacuation centers. If you have a pet, check local guidelines in advance and prepare a pet emergency kit.

---

5. Additional Tips

• Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with Japan’s disaster warning systems, such as the J-Alert system, which broadcasts emergency information via TV, radio, and smartphones.
• Participate in Drills: Many communities in Japan hold disaster drills (bōsai kunren) to educate residents on evacuation procedures. Participating in these can help you prepare.
• Emergency Contacts:
  • Police: 110
  • Fire/Ambulance: 119
  • Multilingual Disaster Support: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Hotline: +81-50-3816-2787 (available 24/7)

---

By understanding the regulations, procedures, and cultural aspects of evacuation centers in Japan, you can ensure your safety and contribute to the smooth functioning of these critical facilities during emergencies.