On June 19, the Taichung City Government’s Fire Bureau, led by Director Sun Fu-You, visited the Tokyo Fire Department as well as the affiliated Tachikawa and Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Centers. The purpose of the visit was to study Japan’s advanced fire safety and disaster prevention education systems and to foster in-depth exchanges between fire agencies in Taiwan and Japan. The delegation was warmly received by Fire Commissioner Yoshimi Yoshida and senior officials from various departments of the Tokyo Fire Department. This visit not only strengthened collaborative opportunities between the two sides but also provided valuable insights for enhancing disaster preparedness educational initiatives and disaster response capabilities in Taichung.
Director Sun remarked that the Tokyo Fire Department is one of the largest urban fire agencies in the world, equipped with a comprehensive disaster management training system and cutting-edge firefighting technologies. The delegation from Taichung gained in-depth understanding of Tokyo’s latest disaster prevention experience facilities and engaged in discussions on enhancing urban disaster response capabilities, gaining valuable insights for the future development of disaster education in Taichung. The delegation also visited the Tachikawa and Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Centers, both of which are known for their interactive disaster preparedness experiences. These centers offer simulation-based training programs—including earthquake drills, fire scenarios, smoke evacuation, and firefighting practice—enhanced by advanced 4D virtual reality technology. Such experiences allow the public to acquire essential disaster response skills in a safe environment, thereby deepening their knowledge and awareness of disaster preparedness and response.
The Fire Bureau noted that this exchange particularly focused on enhancing public awareness of disaster preparedness and exploring the application of advanced technologies in disaster education. Both parties also exchanged views on the design of disaster prevention facilities and overall operational planning. Director Sun added that the educational approaches adopted by the Tokyo Fire Department and its life safety learning centers serve as valuable models for Taichung. He expressed hope that these successful experiences can be adapted to strengthen Taichung’s disaster education and training capabilities, while further promoting cooperation between fire agencies in Taiwan and Japan. Moving forward, the Fire Bureau will continue to advance disaster education and training initiatives to ensure that citizens are better equipped to respond to emergencies, thereby creating a safer urban environment.