Date & Time: June 30, 2025 (Monday), 10:00–12:00
Venue: Theater Room, General Research Building 1, Saitama University
Format: In-person
Participants: 30
Organized by: Resilient Society Research Group, Center for Social Transformation, Saitama University
Co-organized by: Diversity Promotion Center, Saitama University / Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., Saitama Central Branch

Speakers:

Tetsuya Myojo(Executive Director, Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – JVOAD)

Sachiko Asano (Director, Center for Gender Equality and Disaster Reduction)
Facilitator: Noriko Seyama (Diversity Promotion Center, Saitama University)

On June 30, 2025, Saitama University hosted a seminar titled “Disaster × Diversity,” focusing on the newly published Guideline for Coordinated Disaster Relief with Consideration for Diversity by JVOAD (Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). The session was held as a learning opportunity to deepen understanding of inclusive disaster response strategies.

Mr. Tetsuya Myojo, Executive Director of JVOAD, opened the session by introducing the organization’s background and its mission to enhance the effectiveness of disaster relief and reduce vulnerability to future disasters. He explained how JVOAD has developed various coordination guidelines through its experiences in disaster response—covering support for children, foreign nationals, and others—and discussed the rationale and process behind creating the most recent guideline focused on diversity. Mr. Myojo also shared insights from JVOAD’s involvement in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, including key challenges faced in intermediary disaster support.

Following this, Ms. Sachiko Asano, who was directly involved in drafting the guideline, emphasized the importance of recognizing diversity in disaster-affected populations—particularly vulnerabilities related to age, gender, disability, and health. She stressed that vulnerability not only signals potential disadvantage but can also be a source of resilience. She also highlighted the need to address issues such as sexual exploitation, abuse, and gender-based violence within disaster contexts.

Ms. Noriko Seyama of Saitama University introduced sections of the guideline that address the needs and challenges of people with disabilities and sexual minorities, based on her role in the guideline’s development.

The seminar attracted a diverse audience including university faculty, local disaster volunteer organizations, municipal government officials, corporate representatives, and members of disability advocacy groups. In the second half of the session, participants engaged in a lively discussion about the challenges they have faced in disaster preparedness and response. There was a strong consensus on the need for more concrete action and collaboration to enhance inclusive disaster readiness.

Comments from the Participant Survey:

“We need to build relationships and frameworks in advance, assuming not only the occurrence of disasters but also the specific diversity of those affected. I want to reach out to potential partners in Saitama to create an environment of mutual aid and support.”

“Inclusive community-building in daily life is inseparable from disaster relief. Understanding the difficulties faced by diverse populations and tailoring our support systems to their needs is essential for creating a resilient society.”

“As someone responsible for human rights, I would like to learn more about concrete measures to eliminate discrimination in evacuation shelters and examples of effective responses during actual disasters.”

Reference:
JVOAD, Guideline for Coordinated Disaster Relief with Consideration for Diversity (in Japanese)
https://jvoad.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/14393636f4fc8597f627834789367046.pdf