Event report: OHAO PROJECT Learning Fair Emergency Preparedness Training & The State of Kuwait -bonds-
Today, we have successfully hosted a new challenging event, OHAO PROJECT Learning Fair Emergency Preparedness Training & The State of Kuwait. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Shiba Fire department for their work, as well as the Embassy of the State of Kuwait for their great contributions at today’s event.
Introduction:
At the start of today’s event, a video of the Tokyo Fire Department and the visit that the Kuwaiti Ambassador from the Embassy made to the affected sites of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake was played to the audience. This video played a crucial role in developing a greater understanding of emergencies and natural disasters. Additionally, a news article on this visit from the ARAB NEWS was translated to Japanese with the help of the translation team from OHAO. Through the revelations of the State of Kuwait’s activities, we were reaffirmed about the strong bonds between Kuwait and Japan.
Shiba Fire Department - an announcement from Mr. Ueshima about their activities for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake:
Mr. Ueshima from the Shiba Fire Department gave a report on their activities for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
From his experience of being a member of the FAST-Force, he detailed the rescue operations using panels. In particular, his speech on lifesaving operations at extremely affected sites that he personally undertook enabled us to deepen our understanding by linking rescue knowledge to a real life example.
Throughout his speech, we could feel great sympathy that he holds for the victims, and sincerity for the survivors of natural disasters. Moreover, it was a moment for us to reacknowledge the happiness and privilege of everyday life.
From their activities in harsh climates like blizzards and sub-zero temperatures, their memories of actually finding people in need for rescue in Wajima City, to their responses to large-scale fires, we would like to thank him for sharing these invaluable stories about the Fire Department’s operations.
The Embassy of the State of Kuwait - Greetings from Mr. Abdulaziz Alfadhli, the Third Secretary:
The Third Secretary of The Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Mr. Abdulaziz Alfadhli, gave us a talk on the relationship between Kuwait and Japan.
By learning about Kuwaiti culture, jobs and histories shared between the two countries, we noticed a great historical relationship. In particular, the fact that Japan immediately acknowledged Kuwait’s independence in 1961, and that Kuwait offered a free provision of crude oil worth five million barrels during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami greatly signified the strong bonds that exist between us.
At next year’s Expo in Osaka, there is another opportunity to learn about Kuwaiti culture. We hope you visit their exhibition at this event.
Finally, we would like to thank the Embassy of the State of Kuwait for their collaboration today despite their busy schedules. We hold an immense feeling of respect for your deep considerations for today’s menu and its nutrition. Once again, thank you for this collaboration.
Emergency preparedness training:
Next, many participants took part in the emergency preparedness training, the first time that the Shiba Fire Department hosted an event like this.
From learning about the importance of cooperation with others around you for your own safety as well as the safety of others, to AED and CPR training, we fostered necessary skills in a case of emergency. Furthermore, seeing young children put their energy and thought into this training greatly moved us adults, making this training an extremely effective experience for all participants regardless of their age.We would like to thank Mr. Shimomura for his contributions. From our very first meeting to numerous more that followed, he always made sure that no children were left behind in the activities. Because of him, this event ended in a big success, sparking children's eagerness to learn more.
Kuwaiti food:
Given the support of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, they prepared a Kuwaiti food bento box for all participants and staff, including the firefighters from the Shiba Fire Station. They had also considered the children when making the dish and had minimised the usage of spices, which worked out perfectly. This was a very special bento box prepared from 3am by the embassy’s chef.
We would like to thank the Embassy staff and chef for allowing us to enjoy traditional Kuwaiti food even by using Japanese emergency rations. Thank you Mr. Abdulaziz Alfadhli for suggesting the recipe, and thank you Ms. Hanan Alhubeil for coming up with the recipe.
Thank you and a point of reflection:
Thank you very much for your cooperation in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Relief Fund. We will deliver the collected donations to the Japanese Red Cross Society in December.
Today’s event was made possible from the numerous meetings held with a great number of collaborators. We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Sami Al-Zamanan, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, and Ms. Hanan Alhubeil, the secretary who also supported the event overall through her fluency in Japanese to lead the event as well as preparations of the menu.
Moreover, due to the cancellations and late arrivals at the event, we faced a problem with food wastage. From this, we are currently reconsidering the registration system for participants. For events hosted at the Embassy, we noticed the need for sharing private information for security reasons as well as a structure to reinforce time management for the participants.
Taking today’s experience as a learning lesson, the members of the OHAO PROJECT will aim for an improved hospitality at future events. It would be appreciated if you could continue your support and donations to OHAO.
Please see the list below for all staff and members who supported today’s event.
[Presenters]
Shiba Fire Department
- Noto Peninsula Earthquake activity announcement
Shiba Fire Department: Mr. Oshima
- Emergency Preparedness Training
Mr.Sakuraba, Mr.Shimomura, Mr.Ueshima, and Mr.Iijima
The Embassy of the State of Kuwait
The Ambassador
Mr. Sami Al-Zamanan
The Third Secretary
Mr. Abdulaziz Alfadhli
Translator
Mr.Ehab Ebeid
Secretary (for devising the menu adapted with emergency rations)
Ms. Hanan Alhubeil
[Co-hosts]
Tokyo Fire Department, Shiba Fire Station
The Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Japan
[Sponsor]
Minato-ward
[Co-sponsor]
LIBRA CONSTRUCTIONS
[Host venue]
Nagaoka Social Welfare Association Fukushi Plaza Sakuragawa
[Interpretation and translation]
Ms. Yu Nomura (OHAO)
Mr. Harusato Inayoshi (OHAO)
Ms. Shiori Moroo (OHAO)
[Folk artist]
Ms. Kiyoko Kozaka
[Aid for food and other supplies]
Minato Recycling and Waste Management Office
Minato-ward Social Welfare Council
Corporate collaboration: Musubie of the National Children’s Cafeteria Support Center
Corporate collaboration: Shiseido Japan for providing hand sanitizers
[Design]
Ms. Hiromi Sue (OHAO)
[Photography and videography]
OHAO PROJECT members
[Support with advertising the event (posters and social media)]
Minato City Hall
Office of the Mayor
Disaster Prevention Section
General Affairs Section
Internationalisation Section
Children and Youth Support Section
Support Services for Senior Citizens Section
Board of Education of the Minato City Hall
Industry and Community Promotion Support Department of the Minato City Hall
Shiba Regional City Office of the Minato City Hall
Minato City Council of Social Welfare
Nagaoka Social Welfare Association
Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital
Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital Nursing Department
Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital Pediatrics Department, Dr. Motoko Fujino
School GO Club Onarimon
Shimmei Kids-to-Teens Hall
Mita Library
Shibaura Island Children and Senior Citizens Plaza
Hosaka GO→Club Shibaura
Shibaura Pupils’ Club
Hosaka GO→Club Shibahama
Takanawa Children's Plaza
Takanawa Library
Takanawa Library Branch Office
Shirokanedai Children's Hall
Shinno Pupils’ Club
Akasaka Library
Akasaka Children's Junior and Senior High School Student Plaza
Akasaka Children's Junior & Senior High School Student Plaza, Aoyama Hall
Azabu Library
Azabu Kids-to-Teens Hall
Minato City Child Consultation Center
Children and Families Support Center
Minato Science Museum
Mita Hachiman Shrine
Mr. Masami Sato of the Jokyoji Temple
Mr. Sentaro Watanabe
TOKYO TOWER Co., Ltd.
Mita Orthopaedics
Himawarimitashinkyu Acupuncture
National AZABU Supermarket
Iko-yo of the Information Centre for day out with children
Nissin World Delicatessen
Laurus International School of Science
