[Minato Ward] Learn about Disaster Prevention Tips at Nagoya Municipal Minato Disaster Prevention Center

In recent years, Japan has been hit by a series of large earthquakes. It has been pointed out that there is a possibility that earthquakes will occur in various parts of Japan in the future, and measures are being actively implemented. In addition, it is more important than anything else to be prepared for disasters, not just earthquakes, on a daily basis.

The Nagoya Municipal Minato Disaster Prevention Center is a facility in Nagoya City where you can see, learn, and experience disasters to find out what to prepare for and what you should do.

* Information is current at the time of the interview.
When using the service, please check the latest information for each facility and store.

How to access and use?

It is a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Minato Ward Office Station on the subway. It is adjacent to the Minato Ward Office in Nagoya City and is right in front of the LaLaport Nagoya Minato Aquls store. There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can use the parking lots at Minato Ward Office and Kohoku Park if they are available.

The entrance on the left is Nagoya Municipal Minato Disaster Prevention Center. The building is connected to the Minato Ward Office.

Both admission and the experience are free. The first floor is mainly about earthquakes, while the second floor is a space where you can learn about typhoons, tsunamis, fires, and other events through hands-on experience.

Experience the waveform of a real earthquake 
"Earthquake Simulation Room"

The Nobi earthquake, the Great Kanto earthquake, the Tonankai earthquake, the Mikawa earthquake, the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, etc., which have actually occurred in Japan in the past.

The Earthquake Simulation Room recreates one minute of shaking from a major earthquake based on waveform data from the earthquake disaster.

First, apply at the reception desk as soon as you enter. Children from 2 years old can participate, so why not try it out with your child? (Held every hour on the hour and 30 minutes past the hour)

Prior to the simulation, the staff will talk about how to protect oneself in the event of an earthquake and the initial actions to take after the shaking subsides.

When we actually experienced an earthquake of magnitude 7, the shaking was much stronger than we had imagined, and we were unable to support our body even when sitting. We couldn't believe that such a violent earthquake actually happened, and it was frightening to imagine what it would be like if it had happened at home.

The children also tried desperately to support their bodies and endure the violent shaking, taking care to protect their heads and necks as instructed. They looked serious, unlike usual, and seemed genuinely surprised, wondering if the shaking was really that bad.

Put on your 3D glasses
"3D Theater" where you can experience realistic sound and images

The entire second floor, where the 3D Theater is located, is mainly devoted to exhibits relating to the Ise Bay Typhoon, which made landfall on September 26, 1959 (Showa 34) and caused extensive damage, creating a retro atmosphere that recreates the time.

In the 3D Theater, two types of footage are shown depending on the time of day: one about the Ise Bay Typhoon and one about the tsunami caused by a massive Nankai Trough earthquake.

* Registration is required on the second floor. (First come, first served basis)
*Closed for maintenance from 12:00 to 13:00.

Once you put on the special 3D glasses, a 3D video will begin to play for about 6 minutes. This time, we watched a video on the theme of the Ise Bay Typhoon.

Not only are the sound and lighting matched to the 3D images, but the wind actually blows and the walls of the set start to shake, creating a truly immersive experience that is well worth seeing.

The calendar date also stops at September 26, 1959 (Showa 34), the day of the Ise Bay Typhoon.

Every corner of the room, including the television and radio, is recreated to look like a home from the 1950s.

A realistic smoke evacuation experience during a fire

A "Smoke evacuation experience" corner modeled after a Showa-era diner

In the "Smoke Evacuation Experience," a dimly lit space that recreates the conditions under which smoke is generated allows participants to learn about the characteristics of smoke and the precautions to take when evacuating, such as "staying low and covering your mouth with a handkerchief" and "not pushing people around you in a panic" (held at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, capacity limited to 15 people).

* Registration is required on the second floor. (First come, first served basis)
*Closed for maintenance from 12:00 to 13:00.

To begin the experience, you must cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief (or your sleeve if you don't have one), and then walk around looking for the exit while the smoke used in the training fills the air, which is completely harmless to the body.

In case of fire, the only light was an emergency light, and it was almost completely dark inside. Perhaps out of nervousness and impatience, people seemed to have forgotten to keep their body in a low position. It is important to act calmly.

The Disaster Prevention Classroom, a replica of an old elementary school classroom, also holds events that children can enjoy, such as special lectures to deepen their knowledge about disaster prevention through talks and workshops.

Regular disaster prevention classes are held free of charge (on the second Saturday of every month) so that you can learn about disaster prevention while having fun. Special events are also held during long holidays such as spring break, Golden Week, and summer vacation.

The Isewan Typhoon Exhibition Room displays panels and videos related to natural disasters.

In the Isewan Typhoon Exhibition Room, you can learn about the damage and conditions in Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture during the Isewan Typhoon, and learn about how to prepare for wind and flood disasters.

The exhibition room is designed to look like the time after the Ise Bay Typhoon passed, with bedding and clothes hung out to dry. There is also digital content that you can learn from through personal experiences and quizzes.

A corner where you can experience calling from a public phone

By selecting fire or emergency and following the instructions of the operator on the screen that you hear over the handset, you can experience what you would need to say when making a real call.

Most children today have never used a public phone. Many have never even seen one, so having the experience may be useful in an emergency. When calling from a public phone, the exact location information can be confirmed at the time of calling, which can lead to a quicker response.

A section that shows how to make and install sandbags and water bags

There is also a kids' space for small children.

A popular photo spot for children
Firefighting helicopter

The real helicopter "Nagoya 2" was used during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It was in service with the Nagoya City Fire Department until 1996.

You can also freely enter the cockpit (maximum 3 people).

On either side of the helicopter, there are miniature classic fire engines handcrafted by fire department personnel on display. These can also be taken for a ride.

A commemorative photo wearing a firefighter's uniform, which is usually hard to wear, is also popular. You will feel like a firefighter wearing a realistic firefighter's uniform. Adults' uniforms are also available.

Nankai Trough Huge Earthquake Disaster Simulation Corner

Visitors can learn about the mechanism of earthquake occurrence and what kind of damage is expected in Nagoya City and the surrounding areas in preparation for the huge Nankai Trough earthquake that is expected to occur in the near future, through videos and panels.

A corner where you can learn how to fasten furniture

You can find out about how to secure cupboards and other furniture and fridges, and measures to prevent the dishes inside from popping out.

The basic emergency supplies and disaster prevention goods that you should have on hand, as well as additional disaster prevention goods that you may want to have if you have small children or elderly people in your family, are all clearly displayed. This is a great opportunity to check out the disaster prevention goods that you need for your home.

The special exhibition room next to the reception on the first floor displays exhibits about disasters that occurred during that time.

It is still not possible to predict exactly when an earthquake or other disaster will occur. In preparation for an emergency, which could be tomorrow or 50 years from now, why not visit Nagoya Municipal Minato Disaster Prevention Center and use this experience to think about disasters for your children, family, and loved ones?