Japan: Minister urges households to prepare for disasters with at least 3 days of self-sufficiency

Japan’s disaster-prevention minister, Goshi Hosono, urged households on October 26, 2026, to manage without outside assistance for at least three days, preferably a week, by preparing food, water and sanitation supplies. He said he would issue an “urgent request” on November 2, when the new Disaster Prevention Agency launches, addressing ministries, prefectures and the public. The Cabinet Office recommends about three litres of water per person per day. Hosono also made emergency shelters a priority and wants them to adopt the TKBB standard: toilets, hot meals, beds and baths.