30 Years After the Grate Hanshin-awaji Earthquake: A Survivor’s reflection on Disaster Preparedness
On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck Japan, leaving a trail of devastation that forever changed the lives of those in its path. Among them was Saki Aibu, then a third-grade elementary school student living in takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Now, 30 years later, Aibu reflects on the disaster that reshaped her childhood and her ongoing mission to promote disaster preparedness.
A Childhood Shattered by Disaster
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Saki Aibu, now an actor starring in the TV drama series Omusubi, vividly recalls the morning of the earthquake. “I was sleeping in a bunk bed with my sister when the shaking began,” she shares. While her home was spared from collapse, the sight of her city in ruins left an indelible mark.
“When I looked out the window, all the buildings I had been looking at had disappeared from my sight,” Aibu recounts. “Buildings that were once three stories had become two, and those that were two stories had collapsed to the height of the first floor. The roof was so collapsed that I couldn’t even remember what kind of house it had been built on.”
The earthquake claimed 119 lives in Takarazuka City alone and destroyed 3,559 buildings.Photographs taken by Aibu’s grandfather vividly capture the destruction, serving as a stark reminder of the disaster’s toll.
The Aftermath: A Month Without Water
The earthquake severed lifelines, leaving residents without basic necessities. “There was no drinking water. The toilet didn’t flush. The water outage lasted for over a month,” Aibu recalls. The prolonged disruption underscored the importance of emergency preparedness, a lesson Aibu carries with her to this day.
“The city was completely diffrent from what I remembered from the day before,” she says. “I was just nervous.It wasn’t until the next day or the day after that I began to grasp the enormity of what had happened.”
A Call to Action: Protecting the Next Generation
Now a parent herself, Aibu is determined to ensure that others are better prepared for disasters.“I want to protect and support those around me, just like the adults who protected me,” she says. Her advocacy for Key Takeaways from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
To honor the lessons learned from this tragedy, here’s a summary of key points: | Aspect | Details | The great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake was a turning point for Japan, leading to significant advancements in earthquake preparedness and response. For Saki Aibu, it was a personal awakening to the fragility of life and the strength of community. As we mark the 30th anniversary of this tragedy,Aibu’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of being prepared. Whether it’s learning the signs of an earthquake or creating an emergency plan, every step taken today can save lives tomorrow. Let us honor the past by building a safer future. — When disaster strikes, the aftermath often leaves behind not just physical destruction but also profound lessons. For Ms. saki Aibu, the memories of a devastating earthquake have shaped her approach to preparedness, transforming her home and mindset to ensure safety and resilience. Her story is a testament to the importance of being ready for the unexpected. The earthquake left Ms. Aibu’s home in disarray. “The cupboard fell over, all the doors opened, and most of the breakable dishes that I had used with care were ruined,” she recalls. Amid the chaos, one item stood out—a teacup cherished by her mother. Miraculously, it remained unbroken, a small but poignant reminder of what could have been saved with better preparation. Looking at the teacup, Ms. Aibu reflects on her mother’s regret: “I should have been more prepared.” this sentiment became the driving force behind her commitment to disaster readiness. From that day forward, Ms.Aibu began implementing changes to safeguard her home. She started using furniture that is high enough to prevent toppling during major earthquakes and installed stoppers to keep doors from opening automatically, preventing contents from spilling out. “Even after I became an adult, my mother told me to keep this shelf from falling over, to save water after taking a bath, and how to deal with it in the event of an earthquake,” Ms. Aibu shares. “He was always thinking about whether he would do it and then told me.” her preparations extend beyond furniture. She emphasizes the importance of stockpiling essentials: “Water, food, snacks, work gloves, and socks. I prepare emergency supplies and share them with others when they are missing something.” Ms. Aibu’s journey is deeply rooted in the kindness she witnessed during the disaster. On the day of the interview,she revisited the elementary school that served as an evacuation center during the earthquake. The gymnasium, once filled with displaced families, also functioned as a water station. “While mr. Aitake was taken by his grandfather to get water, he had volunteer university students play with him and saw people helping each other survive by sharing what they needed,” she recalls. This spirit of community and mutual aid left a lasting impression on her. Ms. Aibu’s story underscores the importance of disaster preparedness. Below is a summary of her key strategies: | Preparedness Tips | Details | Ms. Aibu’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that preparation can make all the difference. Whether it’s securing your home, stockpiling essentials, or fostering community resilience, every step counts. As she puts it, “If I had done that, maybe fewer things would have been damaged.” Let her story inspire you to take action today. For more details on earthquake preparedness, visit the Japan Meteorological Agency or explore resources from the Red Cross. Images courtesy of NHK News. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, the memories of destruction and loss frequently enough fade as cities rebuild and life moves forward.For Saki aibu, a mother of two and a survivor of the disaster, preserving these memories has become a mission. Now an adult, Aibu reflects on her experiences as a child and uses them to raise awareness about disaster prevention, ensuring that future generations are better prepared. At just nine years old, Saki Aibu experienced the earthquake that left her hometown in ruins. The images of destroyed buildings and the chaos that followed remain etched in her memory. “I really have a strong impression of what all the buildings looked like in a destroyed state,” she recalls.“Now they’re all clean and new, and that’s why they only remain in my memory. I can’t remember them by looking at photos or tracing back my memories.” As she grew older, Aibu began to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the people who protected her during those difficult times. becoming a mother herself further heightened her awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness. “I feel grateful to the people who protected me,” she says. “I have a strong desire to do the same thing that adults did when I was a child.” For Aibu, the responsibility of protecting her children has become a driving force in her advocacy for disaster prevention. She emphasizes the importance of preparing children for emergencies, teaching them how to respond when separated from their parents. “I hope I can prepare well in advance with my child, giving them some protection and support, such as telling them that they should behave in this way, asking for help here, and heading here when they are separated from their father and mother,” she explains. Her experiences have also taught her the value of kindness and community support during crises. “Even people who have lost their homes sometimes find people who share what they have with others and are involved with their children,” she reflects. “When they become adults,they remember that kindness. Now that I’m an adult, I realize once again how amazing it is indeed to be able to be kind to everyone even when you’re having a difficult time.” Aibu’s commitment to preserving memories and raising awareness has led her to actively participate in disaster prevention-related symposiums and events. she believes that sharing her story can inspire others to take action. “If I can convey even the slightest awareness of disaster prevention, I would like to participate in any way I can and convey the message,” she says. “I believe that just being aware can change the future,so I think we can protect ourselves by being prepared.” Her efforts are not just about spreading awareness but also about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. “It’s important to spread that awareness to those around you, even if it’s just a small thing,” she adds. As Aibu continues to watch her city recover, she feels a sense of urgency to ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. “As I continued to watch the city’s recovery, I felt a sense of crisis that what happened back then would be forgotten,” she admits. Through her advocacy, Aibu hopes to create a legacy of resilience and preparedness for future generations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, kindness, and proactive disaster planning. | Key Takeaways | Saki Aibu’s journey from a young survivor to a dedicated advocate highlights the enduring impact of disaster experiences and the power of sharing stories to inspire change. By connecting memories and fostering awareness, she is helping to build a safer, more prepared future for all. For more information on disaster preparedness, visit Ready.gov or explore resources from the international Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In a heartfelt segment on good Morning Japan, actress Saki Aibu opened up about her dedication to preserving the memories of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a catastrophic event that struck Japan in 1995. Aibu, who has been deeply affected by the disaster, emphasized the importance of passing down these memories to future generations. “Personally,I want to make sure to pass this on to my children as well as those around me. Just as my parents protected me, I will protect my children first in terms of knowledge. I would like to continue doing so,” Aibu shared during the broadcast. The segment, which aired on January 10th, is available for streaming on NHK Plus until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17th. Viewers can watch the full video A Legacy of Resilience
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, also known as the Kobe earthquake, claimed over 6,000 lives and left a lasting impact on Japan’s collective memory. Aibu’s reflections highlight the importance of storytelling in keeping these memories alive. “Share the scenery you saw, the hardships your parents faced, etc. with people who have not experienced the earthquake,” Aibu urged. “I hope that by conveying my experiences, I will have the opportunity to think as if I were the person involved.” Her words resonate with many who believe that sharing personal stories can foster empathy and understanding, especially among younger generations who did not witness the disaster firsthand. The segment also featured Kotaro takahashi, a cameraman at the Kobe Broadcasting Station, who has been reporting on the earthquake’s aftermath since 2005. Takahashi, who previously worked at the Kitami Bureau and Tokyo, has dedicated his career to documenting the resilience of survivors and the lessons learned from the tragedy. “I want to convey what I can convey,” takahashi said, emphasizing the importance of interacting with children to ensure they understand the gravity of the event. The broadcast included powerful visuals, such as a photograph of Aibu reflecting on the disaster and an image of Takahashi at work. These elements add depth to the narrative, immersing viewers in the emotional weight of the story.| Key Highlights | Details | The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness. By sharing her story, Aibu hopes to inspire others to reflect on their own experiences and pass them down to future generations. “First of all, I would like to place importance on interacting with children,” Aibu said, underscoring her commitment to education and awareness. Don’t miss this moving tribute to resilience and remembrance. Watch the full segment on NHK Plus Why Preserving Memories Matters
Aibu’s commitment to preserving memories is not just about honoring the past; it’s about shaping the future. She believes that by sharing the experiences of those who lived through the earthquake,younger generations can better understand the importance of planning and community support. “If we forget what happened, we risk repeating the same mistakes,” Aibu said. “By keeping these memories alive, we can ensure that future generations are better equipped to handle disasters.” Her advocacy extends beyond storytelling. Aibu actively participates in disaster prevention events and symposiums, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures. Aibu’s story serves as a powerful reminder that preparation can make all the difference. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones are ready for emergencies: for more details on how to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters, visit the following resources: Don’t miss Saki Aibu’s inspiring segment on Good Morning Japan. The video is available for streaming on NHK Plus until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17th. Saki Aibu’s dedication to preserving memories and raising awareness about disaster preparedness is a testament to the power of storytelling and community. By learning from the past and taking proactive steps, we can build a safer, more resilient future for everyone.
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| Casualties | 119 deaths in Takarazuka City |
| Structural Damage | 3,559 buildings completely destroyed |
| Lifeline Disruptions | Water outages lasting over a month |
| Lessons Learned | Importance of disaster preparedness and community support |A Legacy of Resilience
This article is based on firsthand accounts and reflections from Saki Aibu,as shared in her recent interview.Lessons from Disaster: How One Family’s Earthquake Experience shaped Their Preparedness
The Day Everything Changed
A New Approach to Safety
Community Resilience: A Lesson from the Past
Key takeaways: Preparing for the Unexpected
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| secure Furniture | Use high, stable furniture and install stoppers to prevent doors from opening.|
| Stockpile Essentials | Store water,food,snacks,work gloves,and socks. Share supplies with others.|
| Community Support | foster a culture of mutual aid and resource-sharing during emergencies. |
| Learn from Experience | Reflect on past disasters to identify areas for enhancement. |
A call to Action: Be Ready
Preserving Memories and Raising Disaster Prevention Awareness: the Story of Saki Aibu
A Childhood Marked by Disaster
A Mother’s Outlook on Disaster Preparedness
Conveying Experiences to Connect Memories
A Legacy of Resilience and Preparedness
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| – Preserving memories of disasters is crucial for raising awareness. |
| – Teaching children how to respond in emergencies can save lives. |
| – Community support and kindness are vital during crises. |
| – Disaster prevention awareness can change the future. |
Kotaro takahashi: A Journalist’s Perspective
Multimedia Highlights
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| Broadcast Date | January 10th, 2024 |
| Streaming Availability | NHK Plus until 7:00 a.m. on January 17th |
| Featured Guest | Saki Aibu |
| Cameraman | Kotaro takahashi |
| Focus | Preserving memories of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake |
Why This Matters
Watch the Full Segment
How You Can Prepare
Resources for Disaster Preparedness
watch Saki Aibu’s Full Segment
