The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution is a major center for disaster prevention and risk reduction located in HAT Kobe, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Established in commemoration of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 17, 1995, the institution aims to preserve the lessons learned from the disaster and help reduce the impact of earthquakes and other natural hazards in Japan and around the world.
Through exhibitions, research, professional training, and international cooperation, the institution promotes disaster preparedness while communicating the importance of human life, mutual support, and communities living together in the aftermath of disasters.
The institution was established to pass on the valuable lessons of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake to future generations and contribute to reducing damage caused by earthquakes both in Japan and internationally. It also seeks to share the importance of protecting human life and building communities where people support one another, particularly during recovery from major disasters.
Visitors can learn not only about the devastating effects of a major earthquake but also about preparedness, emergency response, reconstruction, and the role individuals and communities can play in reducing future risks.
The institution houses research facilities staffed by full-time researchers at assistant professor and associate professor levels, as well as senior researchers who include university professors working on a part-time basis. Their work addresses challenges in disaster management and recovery, including improving information sharing and cooperation between major cities during widespread disasters and developing comprehensive systems for evaluating reconstruction policies after major urban earthquakes.
When disasters occur, the institution cooperates with Japan’s Cabinet Office and Hyogo Prefecture to support affected municipalities. By providing relevant information and expertise, it helps local authorities reduce damage, respond effectively to emergencies, and advance recovery and reconstruction.
It also continually collects, preserves, organizes, and digitizes documents and records related to earthquakes and disaster prevention. Training programs include forums for municipal leaders and specialized courses designed to strengthen professional disaster-response capabilities.
International cooperation is another important part of its mission. The institution works with organizations such as the Asian Disaster Reduction Center and participates in international networks for disaster prevention and humanitarian assistance, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and expertise across national borders.
The institution features a range of exhibitions exploring the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the lessons it offers for disaster preparedness. One of the most notable attractions is the 1.17 Theater, where visitors can experience a powerful audiovisual presentation recreating the earthquake and its aftermath.
The film, titled “The Shock of 5:46,” depicts the destruction of urban neighborhoods, railway infrastructure, and expressways. Through detailed imagery, it conveys the suddenness of the earthquake and the extensive damage it caused. The experience helps visitors understand the scale of the disaster and why preparedness and effective emergency response are so important.
Because the presentation contains intense and realistic disaster imagery, the institution advises young children, pregnant visitors, and people with personal experiences of disasters to consider avoiding it. Visitors who may find the content distressing should review the exhibition guidance before entering.
The institution is also widely used for school educational trips and disaster-prevention training organized by neighborhood associations and local communities. Visitors can gain practical knowledge of disaster preparedness while reflecting on the experiences of people affected by the earthquake.
The institution opened in stages. In April 2002, the first phase of construction was completed, and the Disaster Reduction Museum, now known as the West Building, opened to the public. In April 2003, the second phase was completed, and the Human Renovation Museum, now known as the East Building, began operating.
The Human Renovation Museum closed in March 2009 because of declining visitor numbers. In January 2010, the former Disaster Reduction Museum and Human Renovation Museum were reorganized as the West and East Buildings, respectively, and began operating together as a unified institution.
The institution also preserves physical remnants of roads and other infrastructure damaged by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. In 2018, these structures were recognized as part of the “Group of Damaged Structures from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake,” selected as a Civil Engineering Heritage site by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
These surviving structures provide valuable evidence of the earthquake’s impact on urban infrastructure. They also help visitors understand the importance of earthquake-resistant design, infrastructure maintenance, and lessons learned from past disasters.
The institution contains a variety of exhibition, educational, and research spaces. Major facilities include:
Guidance Room: Provides introductory information to help visitors understand the institution’s exhibitions and themes.
Earthquake Experience Floor: Features the 1.17 Theater and other presentations illustrating the impact of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Earthquake Memory Floor: Preserves records and materials related to the disaster and the experiences of those affected.
Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction Experience Floor: Offers learning opportunities focused on preparedness and reducing the impact of future disasters.
Water and Disaster Risk Reduction Floor: Explores the relationship between water-related hazards and disaster prevention.
Heart Theater: Provides opportunities to reflect on the human experiences and emotional consequences of disasters.
Research Rooms and Collaborative Research Facilities: Support research and cooperation among disaster-prevention specialists.
Presentation Rooms, Seminar Rooms, and Lecture Rooms: Host educational programs, lectures, workshops, and professional training.
交流 Salon and Resource Library: Provide spaces for discussion, information exchange, and access to disaster-related materials.
The institution serves as a base for several organizations involved in disaster prevention, humanitarian assistance, research, and reconstruction. These include:
International Recovery Platform (IRP): Promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing to improve disaster recovery.
Asian Disaster Reduction Center: Works to strengthen disaster risk reduction through regional cooperation and information exchange.
Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research Center: Conducts research related to earthquake disaster mitigation.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Asia Unit: Supports international humanitarian coordination.
United Nations Centre for Regional Development, Disaster Management Planning Office: Contributes to disaster management planning and regional development initiatives.
Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute: Conducts research and promotes initiatives related to disaster recovery and regional development.
Graduate School of Disaster Resilience and Governance, University of Hyogo: Based at the university’s Kobe Disaster Management Campus, it focuses on policies and approaches for reducing disaster risks and supporting recovery.
The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution is conveniently accessible by train or bus.
By Hanshin Railway: Approximately six minutes on foot from Iwaya Station on the Hanshin Main Line.
By JR: Approximately ten minutes on foot from Nada Station on the JR Kobe Line, part of the Tokaido Main Line.
By bus: The institution is located close to the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution bus stop, served by Kobe City Bus and Hanshin Bus.
Several cultural and educational attractions are located near the institution, making it easy to combine a visit with other activities in Kobe.
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art: A major art museum known for its contemporary architecture and diverse exhibitions.
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Harada-no-Mori Gallery: An additional exhibition venue presenting a variety of artistic and cultural works.
WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre): An international research center focusing on health development and urban health issues.
Kobe Oji Zoo: A popular zoo where visitors can encounter a variety of animals.
The Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution is more than a museum about an earthquake. It is a place where visitors can explore the human impact of disasters, examine the damage left behind, and learn how research, planning, and community cooperation can help protect lives.
For international visitors interested in Japan’s experience with earthquakes and disaster preparedness, the institution offers a valuable opportunity to understand the lessons of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and how those lessons continue to shape efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.