Taiwan Incident Echoes: Japan Releases Okinawa Resident Evacuation Plan for Firstly Time
31 March 2025 路 Uncategorized 路
Source: 路 https://technews.tw/2025/03/30/japanese-government-announces-evacuation-plan/
According to a report by NHK on March 27th, Japan's government announced an emergency evacuation plan for remote islands within Okinawa Prefecture in response to potential situations involving Taiwan. If such scenarios were to occur, approximately 120,000 residents from Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island would be evacuated over six days using Self-Defense Forces, Coast Guard ships, private ferries, and aircraft.
In 2021, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that 'Taiwan's incident is Japan鈥檚 incident,' highlighting the importance of Taiwan's peace for Japanese security. However, some argue against this notion on constitutional grounds: since Japan practices self-defense only, it cannot equate an attack on Taiwan to a direct threat unless attacked directly; thus, any preemptive action could violate the constitution.
NHK reported that various prefectures have been drafting contingency plans in recent years. In case of emergency in Taiwan, evacuation procedures would be activated under the National Protection Law. This includes relocating approximately 120,000 residents and tourists from remote islands within Okinawa Prefecture to cities like Fukuoka or Kagoshima over a period of six days.
On February 17th, Fukuoka Prefectural Government had drafted an initial plan for such incidents. Residents would be evacuated via airports in Fukuoka or Kagoshima and then transferred to accommodation locations; during the first month, they will stay at hotels or other lodging facilities with potential longer-term accommodations like public housing units.
According to guidelines from Japan's Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, each person鈥檚 daily cost for accommodation including meals is estimated as 7000 yen per night by the government. However, Fukuoka Prefecture noted that actual hotel rates are around 12,000 yen without meal costs included, which does not align with reality.
On March 27th, Japan's Government announced an evacuation plan for remote islands in Okinawa using various transportation methods to ensure a daily capacity of about 20 thousand people over six days. They will be evacuated from places like Fukuoka or Kagoshima airports and relocated to cities on Kyushu.
Additionally, the government is considering support measures for elderly individuals and hospitalized patients during long-term evacuations by planning basic guidelines before 2026.
Taiwan Incident... Evacuation Plan For Okinawa Residents To Be Received In Kumamoto Prefecture By Bus From Kagoshima Airport https://t.co/LADl4Qr6o8 #KumamotoNews
Japanese Government spokesperson and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated at a press conference that the current plan focuses on matters within one month of evacuation. He added: 'Regarding accommodation rental fees and transportation methods, we will strengthen cooperation with local governments and private companies to refer to disaster response measures.'
He further explained: "In case of prolonged evacuations beyond one month, discussions are planned for school reopening support, employment assistance, long-term accommodations, as well as arrangements for special needs individuals. We aim to formulate a more inclusive and effective basic policy by 2026."
According to Yahoo Japan's survey, 84.9% of Japanese people expressed concern about the emergency response plan regarding Taiwan incidents.
Some netizens believe that while Taiwan has always provided aid during natural disasters in Japan (such as after the Great East Japan Earthquake), it is important for both countries to take measures to prevent such emergencies from happening.
However, others argue that this evacuation plan could affect local residents and suggest more detailed plans should be developed by the government.
In 2021, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that 'Taiwan's incident is Japan鈥檚 incident,' highlighting the importance of Taiwan's peace for Japanese security. However, some argue against this notion on constitutional grounds: since Japan practices self-defense only, it cannot equate an attack on Taiwan to a direct threat unless attacked directly; thus, any preemptive action could violate the constitution.
NHK reported that various prefectures have been drafting contingency plans in recent years. In case of emergency in Taiwan, evacuation procedures would be activated under the National Protection Law. This includes relocating approximately 120,000 residents and tourists from remote islands within Okinawa Prefecture to cities like Fukuoka or Kagoshima over a period of six days.
On February 17th, Fukuoka Prefectural Government had drafted an initial plan for such incidents. Residents would be evacuated via airports in Fukuoka or Kagoshima and then transferred to accommodation locations; during the first month, they will stay at hotels or other lodging facilities with potential longer-term accommodations like public housing units.
According to guidelines from Japan's Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, each person鈥檚 daily cost for accommodation including meals is estimated as 7000 yen per night by the government. However, Fukuoka Prefecture noted that actual hotel rates are around 12,000 yen without meal costs included, which does not align with reality.
On March 27th, Japan's Government announced an evacuation plan for remote islands in Okinawa using various transportation methods to ensure a daily capacity of about 20 thousand people over six days. They will be evacuated from places like Fukuoka or Kagoshima airports and relocated to cities on Kyushu.
Additionally, the government is considering support measures for elderly individuals and hospitalized patients during long-term evacuations by planning basic guidelines before 2026.
Taiwan Incident... Evacuation Plan For Okinawa Residents To Be Received In Kumamoto Prefecture By Bus From Kagoshima Airport https://t.co/LADl4Qr6o8 #KumamotoNews
Japanese Government spokesperson and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated at a press conference that the current plan focuses on matters within one month of evacuation. He added: 'Regarding accommodation rental fees and transportation methods, we will strengthen cooperation with local governments and private companies to refer to disaster response measures.'
He further explained: "In case of prolonged evacuations beyond one month, discussions are planned for school reopening support, employment assistance, long-term accommodations, as well as arrangements for special needs individuals. We aim to formulate a more inclusive and effective basic policy by 2026."
According to Yahoo Japan's survey, 84.9% of Japanese people expressed concern about the emergency response plan regarding Taiwan incidents.
Some netizens believe that while Taiwan has always provided aid during natural disasters in Japan (such as after the Great East Japan Earthquake), it is important for both countries to take measures to prevent such emergencies from happening.
However, others argue that this evacuation plan could affect local residents and suggest more detailed plans should be developed by the government.