| 岡山大学環境生命科学研究科 | 教授 | 西山哲 |
| 岡山県環境保全事業団・環境学習センター アスエコ | 所長 | 山田哲弘 |
| 国土交通省 中国地方整備局 岡山河川事務所 | 流域治水課 課長 | 松井大生 |
On July 2, 2023, Professor Harada spoke as a panelist at the “Okayama Gaku BOSAI” event, hosted by Okayama City and held at the Aeon Mall Okayama Mirai Square.
Among the distinguished panelists were experts in disaster prevention, river management, and environmental studies, including Professor Tetsu Nishiyama from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences at Okayama University, Director Tetsuhiro Yamada from the Okayama Prefecture Environmental Conservation Foundation and Environmental Learning Center “ASUECO,” and Chief Taehiro Matsui from the River Basin Management Division of the Okayama River Office, Chugoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
In the midst of such esteemed professionals, Professor Harada discussed the impact on “mental and physical well-being” and “daily life” when experiencing disasters.
The venue was attended by Okayama’s DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) members and individuals dedicated to disaster prevention and response in Okayama, whom I had the pleasure of seeing after a long time. Despite the nervousness, I felt a sense of reassurance as I fulfilled my role. After the meeting, I received warm words of appreciation for the presentation from individuals who require special consideration during disasters. It has been over a year since I assumed this position, and I finally feel like I have been able to engage with the local community in disaster-related matters.
I am grateful for the opportunity that arose from the introduction made by Ms. Kaneto, a graduate student at the Nishiyama Research Institute of our university, who I have been assisting in the aspect of “supporting supporters” since my appointment last year. This introduction was made possible through the kind recommendation of the certified NPO “Parent Support Step” in Kurashiki. It was truly a day to be thankful for Okayama University’s extensive and enjoyable local network.