In the midst of increasing focus on the impact of new types of disasters such as cyberattacks, as well as a growing sense of urgency about the security environment surrounding Japan, the Security Studies Program of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation established the "Emergency Legislation Study Group" in FY 2023 to re-examine Japan's emergency legislation and response mechanisms. In addition to identifying specific issues for Japan, including responses to individual disasters as well as complex disasters, the study group took a comparative perspective by examining how legislation in various countries defines emergencies and what authority is given to the government, focusing on major European countries and the U.S.
This five-person study group consists of practitioners and experts involved in responding to large-scale natural disasters and pandemics, as well as members with experience in creating emergency legislation. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the subway sarin gas attack in Tokyo, the study group has compiled this report based on past discussions and research to make recommendations to the Japanese government to improve the effectiveness of emergency response and to encourage widespread interest in this topic.
Click
here to download the report.
