This article shows an idea for the definition of a “safe city” for foreigners through the
good practice of Higashikawa-city (Hokkaido). The best way for protecting people from
disasters, not only foreigners, but also Japanese people is protecting one’s “normal life”.
Where all people can live a normal life comfortably, attract people to visit and live, and
mitigate disasters. There is an interactive effect between building resilience of
community against disasters and accepting to live with foreigners: Open mindedness
to living together helps communities to build a close relationship among the members,
including foreigners, and this close relationship helps them to transfer emergency
information, to organize shelters for victims, etc. The policy of Disaster Prevention in
Japan, famous as an Earthquake and Tsunami country, should be an inclusive and
comprehensive one: preparing disaster resilience through community based on a close
relationship of “all” members creates a “safety city for everyone.”
外国人向け防災対策と多文化共生ー北海道・東川町の例ー
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