Revise the names of cities, towns and villages” to clearly indicate the names of areas subject to tsunami warnings – Prime Minister

On the 12th, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the House of Councillors Budget Committee and said that she would “revise the names of areas covered by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s tsunami warnings so that the names of cities, towns, and villages are as clear as possible,” and instructed the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to consider doing so.

On the morning of the 12th, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 4 occurred off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for one prefecture and three prefectures, including the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido.

However, at the House of Councillors Budget Committee, LDP lawmaker Funabashi, representing Hokkaido, called for a review of the warning method, arguing that the names of the affected areas were unfamiliar and difficult for local residents to understand.

LDP member of the House of Councillors, Funabashi Toshimi, said, “Chubu refers to areas like Tokachi and Hidaka, so it can be very confusing. The most important thing is that when an advisory is issued, people who are evacuating can tell which area it is, so I would like the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to make an effort to review the advisory as the Japan Meteorological Agency.” Prime Minister Takaichi said, “When the Japan Meteorological Agency says eastern areas, it’s unclear where they are.

I will make the advisory so that the names of cities, towns and villages are clearly stated as much as possible. I have just requested the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to consider this as soon as possible.” Prime Minister Takaichi said of the tsunami advisory, “I will make the advisory so that the names of cities, towns and villages are clearly stated,” and immediately instructed Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kaneko to consider the matter.  Read More