Each year, it focuses on a specific theme—such as urban resilience, decarbonisation, or public health—and features expert presentations and panel discussions that compare approaches in both countries, with an emphasis on practical learning and policy transfer. Typically held as a half-day event with networking opportunities, the seminar plays a strategic role in strengthening UK–Japan local government relations, fostering collaboration, and supporting JLGC’s broader mission of international knowledge exchange and partnership-building.
On 5 February 2026, Japan House London hosted a seminar titled “Cities and Resilience in Action: Lessons from Kobe”, bringing together UK and Japanese local government representatives to explore best practices in urban resilience and disaster preparedness. The event was attended by 68 participants , professionals and academics working in the field, and featured expert speakers from Kobe City, Newcastle City Council, and the Greater London Authority.
The seminar, part of an annual series designed to deepen understanding of Japanese approaches among UK stakeholders and promote UK–Japan collaboration, focused on practical strategies for enhancing urban resilience in the face of natural disasters. While the UK has historically experienced fewer natural hazards than Japan, recent floods and extreme weather events have highlighted the importance of learning from international experiences in disaster management..
Japan, by contrast, has long confronted earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. The 1995 Great Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake marked a turning point, prompting significant reforms in disaster risk reduction, community preparedness, and emergency response. Against this backdrop, the seminar provided a platform for sharing knowledge, discussing policy lessons, and identifying practical measures applicable to UK cities.
Key Presentations
Keiko Matsuoka, Deputy Director at Kobe City’s Crisis Management Bureau, opened the session with an overview of Kobe’s experiences with past disasters, including the 1995 earthquake and historic flooding. She explained how the city strengthened its disaster management systems, improved communication with residents, and fostered community-level preparedness to enhance overall resilience.
Eiichi Arima, Section Manager at Kobe City Waterworks Bureau, highlighted the role of resilient infrastructure in disaster response. He described initiatives such as large-capacity water pipelines designed to maintain supply even when support is delayed, collaborative frameworks with local communities, and disaster education programs to build residents’ response capabilities. Arima’s presentation offered practical examples of how urban utilities can contribute directly to community resilience.
Lyndsey Mapplebeck, Resilience Manager at Newcastle City Council, drew on her experience visiting Fukushima Prefecture to compare Japanese and UK approaches to resilience. She identified areas where UK local authorities could learn from Japan, including community engagement, long-term planning, and integrating disaster preparedness into urban governance.
Matt Hogan, Head of Governance, Assurance & Partnerships at the London Resilience Unit, joined the panel discussion to provide insights from the Greater London Authority, offering a UK perspective on implementing citywide resilience strategies and cross-agency coordination.
Panel Discussion and Insights
The seminar concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Heather Jameson, editor of The MJ. Participants explored topics such as incorporating disaster preparedness into school curricula, promoting sustained community engagement, and planning for long-term resilience beyond immediate emergency responses.
Feedback from attendees indicated that the seminar provided valuable lessons for UK local authorities, highlighting practical steps to enhance community resilience, improve crisis management, and strengthen partnerships between municipal authorities and residents. The exchange underscored the benefits of international collaboration in tackling challenges common to urban areas in both Japan and the UK.
Conclusions
The seminar demonstrated how knowledge-sharing between UK and Japanese cities can inspire more resilient urban communities. By examining Kobe’s comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and learning from UK experiences, local authorities are better equipped to anticipate risks, safeguard residents, and ensure continuity of essential services in the face of natural hazards.
As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme events, seminars like this offer a practical blueprint for UK municipalities seeking to strengthen their resilience strategies and foster long-term urban sustainability.
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