Disaster Awareness and Risk of Foreign Residents and Tourists in Japan: Impact on Society and Role of Media

Abstract

In Japan, the number of foreign tourists and residents is steadily increasing which requires urgent attention in a strategic risk communication process. However, social infrastructure in Japan, including media communication, is not yet sufficient for foreigners due to lingual, cultural, and social gaps. While the tourists need customized emergency information, foreign residents need more local risk information to enhance their daily life preparedness. To find an effective strategy, this chapter will analyze disaster awareness and risk communication of foreign tourists and residents in Japan through a first-hand survey, data analysis, and interviews. The survey focuses on four language groups, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian speaking communities, which have different historical and social backgrounds in Japan. This chapter also discusses countermeasures through a local activity which involved foreign and Japanese residents and proved to be effective communication in the time of disaster.