[Okayama University] Professor Shinichi Nishimura participated in the Okayama City Fire Department's natural disaster response training as a natural disaster support advisor

July 17, 2026 Okayama University

Professor Shinichi Nishimura of the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science at Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Tomohiro Nasu) participated in a natural disaster response training exercise conducted by the Okayama City Fire Department on July 2, 2026, as a natural disaster support advisor.

The Okayama City Fire Department introduced the 'Natural Disaster Support Advisor System' in April 2026. This system aims to achieve safer, more reliable, and swifter firefighting activities by obtaining advice on site safety and operational risks from experts when large-scale natural disasters such as earthquakes or landslides occur. Professor Nishimura has been appointed as an advisor under this system in his capacity as a geotechnical engineering expert.

This training was the first to be held since the system's introduction. Participants included members of the Okayama City Fire Department's Special Rescue Team, who engaged in a simulation of a landslide caused by heavy rain, leaving victims buried. During the training, Professor Nishimura assessed the terrain and soil conditions and provided advice to rescue personnel on selecting safe entry routes, securing evacuation routes, and identifying the risks of secondary disasters.

Regarding future disaster response efforts, Professor Nishimura remarked, 'I intend to provide advice on factors such as how soil flows and where dangers remain.' The Okayama City Fire Department expressed its expectation that collaborating with experts will lead to enhanced safety for rescue personnel and more effective rescue of victims.

Okayama University promotes the social implementation of research outcomes and specialized knowledge that contribute to solving regional issues through projects such as the MEXT/JSPS 'Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities (J-PEAKS).' This initiative applies geotechnical knowledge to ensure safety and support rescue operations at disaster sites, aligning with the university's commitment to being a 'research university that co-creates the future of the region and the planet and contributes to global innovation.' The university will continue to collaborate with local governments and related organizations to improve regional disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities and contribute to the realization of a safe and secure local community.