November 6, 2023, Tokyo - Residents of Tokyo flocked to train stations on Monday to participate in the first missile evacuation drill in years, amidst growing concerns in Japan over the increasing threat from neighboring North Korea.
Approximately 60 residents from the Itabashi Ward in Tokyo participated in the exercise as North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests, including short-range missiles to massive intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
One missile launch, in which a missile flew over the southern islands of Japan on August 24, triggered Japan's J-Alert system, allowing authorities to issue immediate warnings to residents via TV, email, and cellphones.
However, disaster prevention official Mutsumi Takahashi, who organized Monday's drill, noted that some people still didn't know what actions to take when the J-Alert went off, underscoring the need for more simulation training.
Takahashi stated, "I think we need to continue the training to inform residents of the correct actions to take when missiles are falling or flying overhead."
Japan has conducted over a dozen similar drills nationwide this year, although Monday's exercise was Tokyo's first since 2018.
Participants in the drill were divided into groups, wearing aprons, and when the simulated missile alert sounded, police and disaster prevention officials hurriedly guided them to designated shelters, where they crouched down, covering their heads with their hands.
Not all residents supported these drills, though. Some anti-war demonstrators gathered outside the train station where the exercise was held, chanting slogans and holding signs that read, "Missile drills are war preparations" and "Diplomacy, not missile drills."
This move reflects Japan's ongoing concerns about regional security and the need for residents to understand how to respond to potential threats. While the drills have sparked some controversy, they also highlight the urgency and importance of preparedness for unforeseen events.
This exercise may prompt more discussions regarding regional stability and diplomatic solutions to ease tensions and seek peaceful resolution avenues.
Approximately 60 residents from the Itabashi Ward in Tokyo participated in the exercise as North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests, including short-range missiles to massive intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
One missile launch, in which a missile flew over the southern islands of Japan on August 24, triggered Japan's J-Alert system, allowing authorities to issue immediate warnings to residents via TV, email, and cellphones.
However, disaster prevention official Mutsumi Takahashi, who organized Monday's drill, noted that some people still didn't know what actions to take when the J-Alert went off, underscoring the need for more simulation training.
Takahashi stated, "I think we need to continue the training to inform residents of the correct actions to take when missiles are falling or flying overhead."
Japan has conducted over a dozen similar drills nationwide this year, although Monday's exercise was Tokyo's first since 2018.
Participants in the drill were divided into groups, wearing aprons, and when the simulated missile alert sounded, police and disaster prevention officials hurriedly guided them to designated shelters, where they crouched down, covering their heads with their hands.
Not all residents supported these drills, though. Some anti-war demonstrators gathered outside the train station where the exercise was held, chanting slogans and holding signs that read, "Missile drills are war preparations" and "Diplomacy, not missile drills."
This move reflects Japan's ongoing concerns about regional security and the need for residents to understand how to respond to potential threats. While the drills have sparked some controversy, they also highlight the urgency and importance of preparedness for unforeseen events.
This exercise may prompt more discussions regarding regional stability and diplomatic solutions to ease tensions and seek peaceful resolution avenues.
