Photo= "Disaster Prevention Guide" brochures provided in English, Chinese and Korean (Joyo International Exchange Association, Terada, Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture)

The Joyo International Exchange Association in Terada, Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, is distributing free brochures titled "Disaster Prevention Guide for Non-Japanese," who are more prone to lack sufficient information when a disaster happens. The association provides two type of brochures written in easy Japanese and Korean, or in English and Chinese, which has explanations of evacuation centers and the way to respond when there is an earthquake.

The A3-size guides are printed in color and folded in three. They have lists of supplies and things to do for emergency preparedness. Evacuation centers, which foreigners are not very familiar, are explained as places everyone can enter for free. They also include a tear-off portable card on which people can write necessary information, including languages they can speak, blood type, emergency contact numbers and other things.

Additionally, the brochures have sections featuring a summary of measures to take in case of a typhoon or an earthquake. The association said, "We expect that the brochures will be an opportunity for foreigners to learn about natural disasters in Japan."

Exploring methods for mutual cooperation in the event of a disaster, the association made the disaster prevention guide jointly with Nishinomiya City International Association and Suita International Friendship Association. Joyo City has made 300 copies of each brochure. The brochures can also be downloaded through their websites.