2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Disaster Prevention and Media Communication
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Hiroyuki Fukuda
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.A537
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This lecture focuses on media communication of disaster information, particularly regarding meteorological disasters. Students will understand the development and characteristics of meteorological disaster prevention information and current challenges based on the latest discussions while analyzing disaster prevention information through mass communication theory and media studies.
This lecture aims to develop a deeper understanding of media communication in disaster prevention information, gaining fundamental knowledge regarding the influence and limitations of media, the relationship between experts and the media, and communication strategies for promoting "evacuation behavior" in today’s diversifying media landscape.
The lecture is structured into three parts. First, we cover the essential meteorological knowledge for interpreting disaster information and the interaction between Japan’s disaster prevention system and the media. Second, we examine the difficulties of evacuation and issues surrounding disaster/evacuation information based on findings from media studies and disaster information studies. Finally, we will consider effective information, and evacuation through specific case studies from the perspectives of both senders and receivers.
Course description and aims
(1) Gain an understanding of the latest status and challenges of disaster prevention information in Japan, and be able to comprehend key issues.
(2) Develop the ability to interpret disaster prevention information from the perspective of media communication theory.
(3) Critically examine disaster prevention information and media content, and engage in discussions on how to construct communication aimed at promoting "evacuation behavior" from the perspectives of both senders and receivers.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
Engaged in weather forecaster at NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), focusing on the latest meteorological disaster prevention, disaster information, and media communication.
Keywords
Disaster prevention, Evacuation, Meteorology, Mass media, Social Media, Communication
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures using slides and handouts. Following the fourth session, students are required to submit a short report summarizing what they have learned up to that point. Additionally, a final report covering the entire course will be assigned after the seventh session.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Overview and Introduction of the Lecture |
Understanding the academic fields, subjects, and objectives related to disaster information and media, and learning basic concepts of disaster information and media communication. |
| Class 2 | Meteorological Disaster Prevention Information in Japan |
Understanding the current status of Japan's meteorological disaster prevention information, significantly revised this fiscal year, and discussing future challenges |
| Class 3 | Disaster Information and Media Role |
Understanding the origins of disaster information and the relationship between media and disaster reporting from the perspective of media theory. |
| Class 4 | Evacuation Theory and Resident Behavior |
Understanding evacuation behavior theories and practical challenges in resident evacuation |
| Class 5 | How to Communicate Disaster and Evacuation Information |
Learning about systems, content, and expression challenges and countermeasures for conveying disaster information |
| Class 6 | Disasters and Media: Case Studies 1 |
Examining effective risk message design and disaster information system construction based on media characteristics and specific cases, building on the knowledge from previous lectures. |
| Class 7 | Disasters and Media: Case Studies 2 |
Examining effective evacuation and challenges during disasters from the receiver's perspective, using specific cases and building on the knowledge from previous lectures. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to course material.
Textbook(s)
None required.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Course materials are provided during class.
Reference book
Isao Nakamura (2021) “Disaster Information and Evacuaton" Koyoshobo (Japanese)
Evaluation methods and criteria
Students’ course scores are based on midterm short reports(40%) and final report (60%)
Related courses
- Not applicable.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Other
This is a 500-level course.
Science Tokyo (science and engineering fields) implements a wedge-shaped style education in which students take liberal arts courses continuously from the Bachelor’s Program through the Doctoral Program. Students are recommended to take liberal arts courses in ascending order of course level. In the semester immediately after enrollment in the Master’s Program (1Q and 2Q for students who enroll in spring, and 3Q and 4Q for students who enroll in fall), students may register only for 400-level Humanities and Social Science Courses.
Students may take 500-level Humanities and Social Science Courses after at least six months of study following enrollment (3Q and 4Q for students who enroll in spring, and 1Q and 2Q of the following year for students who enroll in fall).