Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) provides emergency and recovery support when natural disasters and similar events occur in Japan and abroad, and works on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Drawing on the disaster relief experience that the international NGO Peace Boat built up since the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, it was established in April 2011, the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It took its current name in 2019 and was certified as a public interest incorporated association on April 1, 2025. Its work centers on emergency and recovery support in affected areas, training people in disaster preparedness through courses and materials, building networks among those involved in relief, and sharing information through reports meetings and its website. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, more than 90,000 volunteers in total took part in its activities, mainly in Miyagi Prefecture.
By the end of March 2025, it had supported disaster areas in 88 places in Japan and 34 places overseas. In 2026 as well, it has been publishing activity reports on its support after the Kumamoto earthquake and the Chiba heavy rain and Typhoon No. 25, including support by kitchen car (FOOBOUR) after the Kumamoto earthquake. It also offers learning opportunities for the general public, such as a household disaster-response workshop.
Key points
- Established in 2011 after the Great East Japan Earthquake and certified as a public interest association in 2025
- Has supported disaster areas in 88 places in Japan and 34 overseas (as of the end of March 2025)
- Rich opportunities for preparation and learning, such as introductory disaster volunteer courses and evacuation-center management training
Why this organization deserves attention
Its distinguishing feature is a responsible approach: it sends advance staff to affected areas to assess the situation and builds support around local needs. It puts effort not only into the period right after a disaster but also into training and drills in ordinary times.
Its outlook, that anyone may become either a survivor or a supporter at any time, is reflected in programs that are easy for ordinary people to join. You can find a way to take part that suits you, such as volunteering or donating.
Editor's comment
We never know when or where a disaster will strike. PBV's work reminds us how important it is to prepare, and to know how we can support others.
The official website introduces introductory courses for disaster volunteers and workshops for thinking about preparedness at home. Why not start together with preparations close to home?