High School Students Unveil Original Designs and Catchphrases at Disaster Preparedness Event; Gourmet and Relief Food Zones Also a Hit

Tottori Prefecture held the 'Bosai Kokutai 2026 in Tottori 100-Day Countdown Event' on Saturday, July 11, at the Tottori Prefectural Museum and the Oomido Haiji ruins. The event was organized to raise disaster preparedness awareness in anticipation of the '11th National Disaster Prevention Convention (Bosai Kokutai) 2026 in Tottori,' scheduled for October 17 (Saturday) and 18 (Sunday) in Kurayoshi City.

The event featured presentations by the 'High School Student Promotion Committee,' composed of 12 students from 10 high schools across the prefecture, who are responsible for promoting and publicizing the convention. They unveiled promotional items including PET bottles labeled with original catchphrases such as 'A future we can protect—together,' and 'Tottori at Year 10: We can be stronger than we were back then,' as well as hand towels illustrated with disaster preparedness goods. The students also presented the official uniform, co-developed with outdoor brand Montbell, to Governor Noboru Hirai and Kurayoshi Mayor Ikkyo Hirota.

The student members expressed their commitment, stating, 'We focused on creating promotional items that can be used in everyday life. With the flexibility and energy unique to high school students, we want to convey the importance of human connections.'

Convention leaflet, official uniform, hand towel

Label design for PET bottles created by students (Daisen Water)

Governor Noboru Hirai said in his speech, 'Disasters are an inseparable reality. It is crucial that we use our own strength to protect our bodies, families, and communities. The bonds within our society are what enable us to protect ourselves—that is Tottori’s true strength. The word “Bosai” (disaster prevention) can also be interpreted as “Kibou” (hope) and “Saiwai” (happiness). I hope disaster preparedness brings us happiness.' He added, 'In 100 days, I hope people from across the nation will gather, exchange ideas, and further refine their disaster preparedness efforts.'

The venue also featured disaster experience booths, calligraphy performances by students from Yurahama Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, free relief food distribution, and gourmet tents and food trucks operated by local shopping districts, attracting many visitors. Workshops such as the evacuation shelter management game and crafting plates and slippers from newspapers were especially popular among families. The main convention in October will include experiences like earthquake simulation vehicles and smoke evacuation drills, along with a wide array of local Tottori cuisine.

[11th National Disaster Prevention Convention: Bosai Kokutai 2026 in Tottori]

The National Disaster Prevention Convention (commonly known as Bosai Kokutai) is Japan’s largest disaster prevention event, hosted by the Cabinet Office and other organizations, where stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and the public present and exchange their daily disaster prevention activities. First held in 2016, the 11th edition in 2026 will take place in Tottori Prefecture.

・Theme: 'Thinking, Preparing, and Protecting Together—Safeguarding Lives and Lifestyles with Support and Love'

・Dates: October 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun), 2026 (Reiwa 8)

・Venues: Acepack Mirai Center, Tottori Prefectural Museum, Oomido Haiji ruins, Kurayoshi Exchange Plaza, and others

・Website: https://www.pref.tottori.lg.jp/326419.htm (Tori-net)

[Inquiries]

Tottori Prefecture PR Office Phone: 090-1546-2978 Email: [email protected]