On-site Report from the "Future Disaster Prevention and Mitigation" Forum at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan - 30 Years Since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake: "Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Beyond Insurance" -

Insurance & Risk Insights
Company & Leadership
Sustainability

September 26, 2025

On August 10, 2025, the “Future Disaster Prevention and Mitigation” Forum, hosted by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (TMNF)^*1, was held at the Theme Weeks Studio within the Osaka-Kansai Expo site.
Here we present a report on the day's proceedings by journalist Hiroki Komachi, who covered the event in person.

The program featured speeches by Masashi Namatame, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Tokio Marine Holdings; Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe City; and Hiroshi Mizohata, President of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau as well as presentations on the latest disaster prevention technologies by ICEYE^*2, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.^*3, and TITRC^*4.

The significance of discussing disaster prevention at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 30 years after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

In this milestone year marking 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, it is highly significant for a non-life insurance company to demonstrate how it will deal with increasingly severe natural disasters through innovative technology at an Expo where cutting-edge technology and diverse cultures converge.
This forum attracted not only industry professionals but also numerous attendees from general public, including Expo fans. The venue was virtually full, and the atmosphere attested to the high level of interest in disaster prevention. In particular, I felt that this region has a high sensitivity toward disaster response, having experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

Challenging the perception of non-life insurance companies as merely providing "post-event coverage"

With this in mind, when one thinks again about the role non-life insurance companies play in times of disaster, the first thing that tends to come to mind is "post-event economic compensation" such as insurance payments for damaged homes and automobiles. In fact, the author, myself, had an image that non-life insurance companies were needed in the event of some accident or trouble.
However, through this forum, that perception has evolved.

It is precisely because Japan is prone to natural disasters that it can contribute to future society

The forum is about to begin. The opening video was displayed on the venue monitors.
"Japan has overcome numerous disasters in the past. We, doing business in Japan, can contribute to building a resilient and sustainable future society by integrating our experience in disaster response with cutting-edge technology."
With this powerful message, the "Future Disaster Prevention and Mitigation" forum begins.

Three unique perspectives on disaster prevention and mitigation

First, there was an opening address from Mr. Namatame of Tokio Marine Holdings, the event's organizer.
"Natural disasters occur on a scale far beyond our capabilities to deal with them, and humanity has often been confronted with its own helplessness. Nevertheless, I feel a strong sense of concern: Should humanity really remain powerless in the face of these natural disasters?"
I felt that this very question was the core of this forum.
"One way to approach risks beyond human control is by harnessing the power of science, technology, and data. By making full use of these technologies, we will continue making every effort to ensure they create value for humanity."

Next was the speech by Mr. Mizohata, President of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau.
The venue filled with laughter when Mr. Mizohata appeared donning headgear of official character MYAKU-MYAKU, which he wore throughout the event for Expo advertising and PR.
Mr. Mizohata, who has been affected by disasters nine times, shares lessons learned from his personal experiences. These included flooding at age 12, the loss of a close friend in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and the evacuation challenges faced by foreign visitors at Kansai International Airport during a typhoon.
He then emphasized the significance of this forum, saying,
"The biggest mission of this forum is to share Japan's disaster prevention expertise, gained through experiencing so many disasters, not only within Japan but across the world."

Finally, there was a message from Kizo Hisamoto, the Mayor of Kobe City, which suffered immense damage in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Kobe City has been working on developing a disaster-resilient community since the year following that earthquake. Over about 15 years, Kobe City has implemented infrastructure measures such as developing large-capacity water pipelines and installing floodgates.
He then concluded with a powerful message on the future direction of disaster prevention.
"Going forward, we will further advance digital transformation in disaster prevention and strengthen collaboration among local governments. We must fulfill our mission to build resilient cities, resilient societies, and a resilient Japan."

Utilizing satellites to provide precise analytical data

Following the speakers' presentations, three companies took the stage in turn to introduce their latest technologies.
The first was Finnish satellite start-up ICEYE.
Mr. Watanabe stated that the greatest strength of ICEYE's radar satellites is their ability to observe without light and to penetrate clouds and smoke for observation. Therefore, these satellites feature stable observation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
"In our flood analysis, we gather as much data as possible, including meteorological data, river flow data, topographical data, and social media posts during disasters, and utilize AI to create maps that analyze the state of inundation as quickly and accurately as possible."

Mr. Watanabe also offered the following comments on the background of the collaboration with the Tokio Marine Group.
"TMNF was the first company to approach us about collaboration when ICEYE was developing natural disaster solutions, and we've been building solutions together for about five years since 2020."
He also mentioned that ICEYE is rolling out earthquake and tsunami analysis as part of its future solutions. Some visitors were noticeable at the venue eagerly taking notes while listening intently to the explanation of ICEYE's cutting-edge technology.

Real-Time Disaster Information Monitoring System developed by a leading construction consulting firm

Next to take the stage was Nippon Koei, which joined the Tokio Marine Group in May 2025. Nippon Koei and TMNF are founding members of the Disaster Prevention Consortium CORE, established in 2021 to realize a resilient society that can withstand disasters across industries.
Mr. Uchiyama introduced the innovative solutions offered by Nippon Koei.
First, was a simulation of levees overflowing. A technology that enables disaster situation assessment using 3D displays was highlighted. The realistic images of river water flooding into residential areas were very impactful.

And the tool that drew particular attention was the Real-Time Disaster Information Monitoring System. Nippon Koei has streamlined the process of checking multiple sites by combining them into a single screen and has also made it possible to predict river levels up to 15 hours in advance.
The actual simulation images were highly realistic, making it a presentation that truly demonstrated the high level of the company's disaster prevention technology.

3D analysis via drone surveying × 4D simulations

TITRC was the last company to take the stage.
Mr. Yamaguchi said, "I have visited disaster sites across Japan and been involved in recovery and reconstruction work for many years. I want to contribute to disaster recovery and reconstruction with practical, field-tested technology, drawing from a perspective close to the affected communities and a commitment to putting the front lines first."
Through collaboration with TMNF, a proof of concept test conducted in Iizuka City, Fukuoka successfully planned multiple temporary roads swiftly. This was achieved by utilizing a proprietary app that enables instant 3D road design and soil volume calculations as if drawn by hand.
He also presented examples of actual disaster prevention effects that have been achieved.

"Using sensor-equipped drones to perform 3D analysis, we recreated flood conditions as a time-based 4D simulation and identified countermeasures. Several years later, a similar disaster struck the same area, but the areas where countermeasures were implemented were not flooded, and damage was avoided."
Mr. Yamaguchi's presentation was filled with his passionate conviction about the pressing need for future disaster prevention and mitigation solutions.

Throughout the discussions, the keyword "collaboration" was frequently mentioned, making it clear that expectations for the potential of the technologies and their practical application are growing.
And with that the forum, which lasted about two hours, drew to a close.

Aiming to save even one more life affected by natural disasters

I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Uchiyama of Nippon Koei and Mr. Namatame of Tokio Marine Holdings. after the forum concluded.

Mr. Uchiyama shared his experiences at evacuation shelters during the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011 in detail. After experiencing the disaster while on a business trip to Fukushima, Mr. Uchiyama became acutely aware of the disparity in facilities between evacuation centers for residents under the regional disaster prevention plan and those for temporary visitors. This experience of such a disaster served as strong motivation for current disaster prevention technology development.
"Since joining the Tokio Marine Group, we have been able to provide our technology and expertise to many more people. Going forward, we aim to continue utilizing the Tokio Marine Group's network to reach companies we haven't been able to serve before."
He then spoke about his strong commitment to disaster prevention and mitigation.
"I would like to save even one more life affected by natural disasters. To achieve this, fostering a mindset of disaster preparedness is crucial, and I believe it is important to raise the awareness of each individual. As a company, we intend to actively promote these initiatives."

"This is just a starting point"—A renewed commitment to disaster prevention and mitigation demonstrated at the Expo

Mr. Namatame expressed his confidence in the momentum created by this forum, stating, "It was very meaningful that we were able to communicate our message to the world from the Expo site."
He added, "Disaster prevention and mitigation is not an issue for a single company or an individual alone, but a universal challenge for society. I believe we can create more innovative solutions to natural disasters by combining and leveraging each party's strengths and working in partnership."
"Disaster prevention and mitigation is a universal theme worldwide, and for the Tokio Marine Group it is one of the top priority areas within our global platform. We believe that it is precisely through the global network we have built over the years that our initiatives in disaster prevention and mitigation can deliver the greatest impact. Today marks just the starting point, and we look forward to deepening collaboration with all those who joined us on stage today, as well as with many others in the future."

Sharing Japan's expertise as a disaster-prone country with the world

It has been 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. I hope that by combining the experience and lessons accumulated over time with cutting-edge technology, Japan's expertise as a nation prone to disasters will become a source of hope for the world.

*1

Tokio Marine & Nichido
Founded in 1879 as Japan's first insurance company, the core company of the Tokio Marine Group operates globally. With a core focus on non-life insurance, it combines pre- and post-insurance solutions to support customers and tackle social issues. In the field of disaster prevention and mitigation, the company has launched the Disaster Prevention Consortium "CORE," driving the development of solutions that transcend industry boundaries.
*2

ICEYE
Headquartered in Finland, ICEYE was established in 2014 as a manufacturing small satellites. As of August 2025, the company had launched 54 satellites, representing one of the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellations. In 2022, the Tokio Marine Group entered into a capital and business alliance with ICEYE to advance the development of solutions in the disaster response field.
*3

Nippon Koei
A leading company in the construction consulting industry that develops projects related to infrastructure development and maintenance. With its high technological capabilities, the company is one of the leaders in the construction consulting industry in Japan in terms of sales. The company is working to build a disaster-resilient nation and communities, including supporting recovery and reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
*4

TITRC
A construction consulting firm headquartered in Fukuoka Prefecture. The company possess strengths in 3D simulation technology utilizing drones and has also accumulated a track record of proof of concept tests partnering with the Tokio Marine Group. The company was selected among the "Examples of Distinctive Initiatives of Financial Institutions, etc. that Contribute to Regional Revitalization" from the State Minister for Regional Revitalization.

Hiroki Komachi
Born in Saitama, Japan in 1992. Leveraging his experience in corporate sales at a financial institution, set out on his own as a journalist in 2020. He has conducted interviews with over 300 companies to date, taking advantage of his strength in having a profound understanding of corporate business models and management challenges. In 2024, he established KAZAMIDORI Co., Ltd. He is a graduate of the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University.