Accepting applicationsDisaster Prevention Around the World, in Japan, and in Local Communities

Natural disasters have been occurring with increasing frequency in Japan and across the globe. These catastrophes can instantly claim human lives and assets. In developing countries, they also pose a major obstacle to development and represent a significant barrier to escaping poverty.
This lecture focuses on disasters triggered by natural phenomena around the world and in Japan. Through case studies from various countries, we will deepen our understanding of disaster prevention from multiple angles, exploring how people interact with disasters, the mechanisms behind natural hazards, various mitigation strategies, and community-based disaster prevention activities.

Lecturer
Ryo Matsumaru/ Professor, Department of Regional Development Studies, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies

Graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University. Completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University. Holds a Ph.D. in Engineering.
Specializes in civil engineering, disaster prevention and recovery, water resources, and developing countries' growth.
For approximately 30 years after graduating from university, worked as a development consultant, focusing on formulating disaster countermeasure and recovery plans and building capacity for government officials, primarily in developing countries.
Professor at the Department of International Development Studies, Faculty of International Studies, Toyo University since 2013. Has served as Dean of the Faculty of International Studies since 2024 and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies since 2022.
With expertise spanning a wide range of disaster prevention fields, serves as a speaker and lecturer on topics such as "Natural Disaster Risk Mitigation," "Community-Based Disaster Prevention," and "Corporate Responses to Natural Disasters." Co-authored publications include "Sustainable Development Goals and International Contribution: SDGs from the Field (Chapter 6: Disaster Prevention and SDGs, Asakura Publishing) "and "Asian Urban Theory in a Global Era: How to Create Sustainable Cities (Chapter 10: Cities and Disaster Prevention, Maruzen Publishing)".

* Membership registration is required to apply.
* Various payment methods are available. About payment method
* The "Attend" button (link to the meeting URL) will be activated on the course opening day. To access, you need to log in to your member page. If you can't find the "Attend" button, check if you're logged in.
* Please make sure to read "how to attend online" by the day of the course, and access the "Attend" button after preparation of the necessary settings. If there is a deficiency in the setting, certificates may not be issued. Please access well in advance to access.
* Preliminary materials, lecture materials, and lecture videos may not be available.
* The viewing deadline for lecture materials and videos is 7 days including the date on which they became available for viewing. (*It will be available within 7 days from the course date.)
* In order to attend the course, you need to answer the pre-questionnaire. To view the materials on the day, you need to complete both the pre-questionnaire and the post-attendance questionnaire. The deadline for answering the post-attendance questionnaire is 7 days, including the day of the lecture.

Course introduction
FAQ
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Course outline

Lecture nameDisaster Prevention Around the World, in Japan, and in Local Communities
Date and timeOctober 04, 2026 (Sunday) , 01:00 PM (JST) 〜 October 04, 2026 (Sunday) , 02:30 PM (JST)
Course name2026 Toyo University Online Course - Insight into Japan
Lecturer Ryo Matsumaru
Professor, Department of Regional Development Studies, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies
TargetJapanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
* All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
Capacity1,000 participants per lecture (first-come-first-served basis)
Streaming service Zoom
How to attend online
FeeFree
Application periodAugust 31, 2026 (Monday) , 12:00 AM (JST) ~ October 03, 2026 (Saturday) , 11:59 PM (JST)
Precautions
  • All display times are in Japan time.
  • All courses will be conducted in Japanese only.
  • You can freely choose if you wish to attend one or multiple lectures.
  • Those who complete the post-attendance questionnaire will have access to the materials used in the class.
  • The lecture videos will be provided if you apply for the course even if you cannot attend the lecture of the day.
Course introduction
FAQ
Apply