Japan launches National Disaster Management Agency to improve response

2026-11-03 · Politics · Japan

Japan launched a National Disaster Management Agency on Monday to boost response and reduce damage from disasters. The agency will establish regional hubs to enhance coordination with local governments. Its first chief, Goshi Hosono, noted that there are limits to what the government can do in the event of a massive disaster, and former Prime Minister Ishiba underscored the importance of the body being able to accumulate and pass on knowledge and experience. The launch comes as Japan weighs a defence spending plan and prepares for the ever-present risk of earthquakes and typhoons.

Why it matters：Japan is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, so its new agency model could inform how other governments prepare for large-scale emergencies.

Key points

• The agency will set up regional hubs to coordinate with local governments.
• Goshi Hosono is its first chief.
• Former PM Ishiba stressed preserving disaster-management knowledge.

Sources (original reporting)

• NHK
• The Straits Times
• The Japan Times

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