Overview
- The basic policy sets a November 2026 launch for a national agency directly under the Cabinet.
- The government will seek enabling legislation during the ordinary Diet session expected in January.
- The body will serve as a central command post from the start of a disaster through recovery and can issue recommendations that relevant ministers must respect.
- Regional hubs are being designed for areas facing Japan Trench, Chishima Trench and Nankai Trough megaquake risks, with openings considered from fiscal 2027.
- A recent magnitude 7.5 earthquake in northeastern and northern Japan heightened focus on clearer multilingual evacuation guidance for foreign residents and visitors.