🌍Let’s Learn Disaster Preparedness Together! “Disaster Preparedness Sports Day” Project Returns for Its Second Year🎉

In times of disaster, foreign residents often face challenges accessing vital information, making them vulnerable.
To tackle this issue in a fun and inclusive way, the city of Hitachinaka has launched the “Disaster Preparedness Sports Day” project — now in its second year!

This unique event blends the excitement of a sports day with disaster preparedness activities, allowing children, adults, Japanese and non-Japanese residents to learn together while having fun 💡

🚀 First Planning Meeting Held!
On Monday, September 22, three students from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ibaraki University (participating as part of the iOP program) visited Katsuta Secondary School to kick off the project.
They met with 4th and 5th-year students (equivalent to high school 1st and 2nd years) to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming event.

“What kind of games would be fun and educational?”
“How can we make the information easy to understand for foreign residents?”

Together, they began planning for the Disaster Preparedness Sports Day scheduled for Sunday, November 30!

🤝 Collaboration Across Schools, Cultures, and Technology!
This year’s project brings together a diverse team:

Students from Ibaraki University
Students from Katsuta Secondary School
Japanese language learners from the Lun-Lun class at the Hitachinaka International Association (joining next week!)
And for the first time, students from the nearby National Institute of Technology, Ibaraki College (Kosen)
With this exciting mix of participants, the team is not only aiming to bridge cultural and language gaps, but also to explore technological solutions to support foreign residents during disasters.

Building on last year’s experience, this year’s event aims to be even more exciting, inclusive, and innovative ✨
Stay tuned for updates as we head toward the big day in November!