Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration is considering establishing a disaster management agency to address the increasingly frequent and intense disasters that strike the nation.

In his first policy speech on Oct. 4, Ishiba explained the idea, saying that the government plans to strengthen the current Cabinet Office’s disaster management functions, both in terms of funding and manpower.

In addition, a dedicated minister would be appointed in charge of policy efforts in both normal and emergency times to ensure effective responses to disasters as the first step in preparations for the establishment of a new independent agency.

It probably makes sense to create an organization that handles all aspects of disaster management, from routine disaster prevention measures to post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, in an integrated manner.

However, many vital specifics and details of the proposal remain to be worked out through discussions.

Key issues include what shortcomings exist in the current disaster management system, what additional roles need to be added to the system and how large a unit for operations on the ground should be included.

Currently, about 150 staff members of the Cabinet Office are in charge of developing disaster management plans and coordinating with other ministries under the minister for disaster management (who also holds other responsibilities).

However, there has long been criticism that this system is not good for developing experts.

Many staff members are on loan from other ministries and return after two to three years, resulting in a lack of accumulated expertise. In times of emergencies, having a team of experienced personnel is crucial for effective responses.

A thorough review is needed to understand why more stable, long-term personnel policies cannot be implemented.

Complaints from local governments and communities frequently surface regarding the national government’s disaster response, such as “the initial response is slow,” “aid supplies don’t reach where they are needed,” “requests get passed around,” and “the laws and regulations are too complex and unclear.”

The National Governors’ Association has been calling on the central government to clarify its chain of command for disaster responses and establish a system that handles a series of measures from initial responses to recovery and reconstruction.

It is important to remember that what is currently needed is not the expansion of the national government’s authority but rather enhancing a system for providing support and cooperation for local administrations.

The idea of a disaster management ministry has been floated on and off within the government.

However, in a 2015 report, a review panel led by relevant vice ministers concluded that “since the Cabinet Secretariat is already coordinating (disaster management and response operations) comprehensively, there is no strong need” to create a new ministry. The decision was made to shelve the plan. 

During debates in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election, various doubts and questions were raised about the idea, with comments such as “it will just create unnecessary and overlapping bureaucracy” and “how will the chain of command work?”

These points need to be thoroughly examined without making any hasty decision to create a new organization.

In times of disasters, a range of government entities including the transport ministry, the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency under the internal affairs ministry, the Defense Ministry and the National Police Agency, which deploy operational forces, all take action simultaneously and independently.

Adding other organizations working in parallel to the already long list could only lead to more confusion.

In his policy speech, Ishiba referred to the harsh conditions in evacuation centers, stressing the need to provide “warm meals and a safe living environment.” He also emphasized the importance of quickly deploying toilets and baths when a disaster strikes.

These immediate issues should be addressed without waiting for organizational reforms.

Japan is a disaster-prone country frequently affected by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms and floods.

Establishing a new agency alone will not complete the disaster management effort. The country must overcome the repeated recurrence of the same issues after every disaster and shake off the label of being a “disaster management laggard.”

--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 11