[Publication] Joint Research Paper on the Urban Fire near Asaichi Street in Wajima City Following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake is Now Available

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to everyone affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. I sincerely pray for your safety and the swift recovery of the affected areas.

I am pleased to announce the publication of a joint research paper I co-authored, titled "Building Damage Survey and Analysis of Firebreak Situations for Post-Earthquake Fire Near Asaichi Street, Wajima City, After the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake," in the Journal of Japan Society for Natural Disaster Science. This research is the result of a collaborative effort with Dr. U Hiroi (The University of Tokyo), Dr. Akihiko Hokugo (Kobe University), Dr. Nobuhito Ohtsu (National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster), and other distinguished colleagues.

This paper reports the results of investigations into the massive post-earthquake fire that occurred near Asaichi-dori in Kawai-cho, Wajima City, following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Our field survey revealed extensive damage, with 249 buildings totally burned down and 7 partially burned, covering an estimated area of about 52,000 square meters. Focusing specifically on the buildings, we created a detailed database of both burned and unburned structures. By combining this data with information from public agencies, we outlined the complete picture of the fire, including the outbreak, spread, and firefighting activities. Furthermore, we successfully identified and extracted various "firebreak conditions"—such as road width, open spaces, building fire resistance, and firefighting efforts—categorized into six different patterns where the fire's spread was halted.

We hope this study will serve as valuable foundational data for future urban planning and post-earthquake fire countermeasures.

You can read the full paper (in Japanese) at the link below.

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jndsj/43/3/43_709/_article/-char/ja

[Event Report] Spoke at the Takehara City × The University of Tokyo Partnership Agreement Public Seminar for Citizens

On March 5, 2025, I had the honor of speaking at the "Takehara City × The University of Tokyo Partnership Agreement Public Seminar for Citizens," co-hosted by Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture and the Center for Spatial Information Science (CSIS) at the University of Tokyo.

This seminar was organized as part of the comprehensive partnership agreement on digitalization signed in November 2024 between Takehara City and the Collaborative Research Organization for the Digital Spatial Society, where CSIS serves as the core department.

During the event, I delivered a presentation titled "Co-Designing Inclusive Disaster Preparedness with Persons Requiring Special Consideration: Data-Driven Strategies and Lessons from Research & Practice". In my talk, I highlighted the structural challenges where disaster damages disproportionately affect "persons requiring special consideration," such as the elderly and those with disabilities, and emphasized the critical need to tightly integrate welfare with disaster prevention.

To address this, I proposed the "SAFE Action" (Survey, Adjust, Facilitate, Evacuate) framework as a data-driven Digital Transformation (DX) strategy for welfare and disaster preparedness. I also introduced our research and regional success stories aimed at realizing an inclusive evacuation environment where no one is left behind. These approaches included visualizing disaster risks using hazard maps, managing community support timelines via ICT, and leveraging drones and IoT for real-time evacuation shelter support.

Following the presentations, I participated in a panel discussion alongside Takehara City Mayor Toshihiko Imae and other speakers under the theme of "Urban Development Utilizing Data through Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration". We had a highly productive exchange of ideas regarding the sustainable development of the region and initiatives contributing to the SDGs (specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Takehara City who attended, as well as to everyone involved in organizing this meaningful event. Moving forward, I remain committed to contributing to the enhancement of regional welfare-disaster resilience and sustainable urban development through spatial information and data-driven approaches.

For more details about the seminar, please visit the official CSIS news article below.

https://www.csis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/news/public-event-for-citizens-held-in-takehara-city-hiroshima-prefecture/

[Event Report] Presentation at the JAFSE Investigation Report Meeting on the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Fires

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and their families. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with all those in the affected regions for their safety and a swift recovery.

On February 15, 2024, I gave a presentation titled "Report on the Drone Survey of the Fire Sites in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake" at the online report meeting hosted by the Japan Association for Fire Science and Engineering (JAFSE). I presented the results of UAV photogrammetry surveys conducted at the large-scale urban fire site near Asaichi Street in Wajima City, demonstrating the methodologies and practical applications for generating high-resolution orthophotos, Digital Surface Models (DSM), and 3D mesh models. In addition to sharing this implementation of drone surveying for urban fire sites, I outlined key operational challenges toward developing future survey guidelines and automated spatial analysis integrating GIS and AI.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to JAFSE for organizing this report meeting, to the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (DRI) and collaborating organizations for supporting the field surveys, and to all the attendees for their participation.

• JAFSE Report Meeting Overview: https://jafse.smoosy.atlas.jp/ja/noto-2x
• Presentation Material (ResearchGate): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378347444_doronwohuoyongshitahuozaixianchangdiaozhanitsuiteribenhuozaixuehui_nengdengbandaodezhenniokeruhuozaidiaozhabaogaohui

Appointment as Assistant Professor at the Center for Spatial Information Science, The University of Tokyo

I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Center for Spatial Information Science (CSIS), effective December 1, 202X.

Leveraging my research experience in architectural and urban disaster risk reduction, geospatial information science, and evacuation safety, I am committed to advancing the initiatives of the Joint Usage and Research platform and contributing to the enhancement of community resilience. I look forward to your continued support and collaboration.

For more details regarding this appointment and my research publications, please refer to the links below.

CSIS News Article:

https://www.csis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/news/assistant_professor_abel_202412/

Researchmap: 

https://researchmap.jp/abeltkp?lang=en

[Publication] Single-Authored Paper on Drone Surveys of Fire Sites Following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake is Now Available

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to everyone affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. I sincerely pray for your safety and the swift recovery of the affected areas.

I am pleased to announce the publication of my single-authored paper, "Report on the Drone Survey of the Fire Sites in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake," in the Journal of Japan Association for Fire Science and Engineering (JAFSE) Fire Vol. 74 No. 4 (2024. 8).

This paper reports the findings of aerial photography and photogrammetry surveys utilizing small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones), which I conducted on February 10-11, 2024, as part of the field investigation by the JAFSE Earthquake Fire Specialist Committee.

The surveys were conducted at four fire sites: the large-scale urban fire near Asaichi-dori in Kawai-cho, Wajima City; the tsunami-inundated areas of Shiromaru in Noto Town and Ukai in Suzu City; and the landslide-affected area of Nafune-machi in Wajima City.

In addition to "aerial photo and video shooting" from high altitudes, the paper details the results of "mass continuous aerial photogrammetry," which enabled comprehensive understanding of both the overall picture and fine details of the damage. This process generated highly accurate electronic data, including "orthorectified visible images," "Digital Surface Models (DSM)," and "3D models". These 3D datasets allow for the quantitative measurement and analysis of building collapse conditions and the height of explosion marks.

Furthermore, toward the development of guidelines for drone utilization in future post-earthquake fire investigations, this paper outlines and proposes solutions for several key challenges: flight applications within Emergency Operation Airspaces, privacy protection regarding high-resolution imagery, the intellectualization of analytical data, and collaboration with affected municipalities and fire departments.

I hope this research will contribute to future disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, as well as the establishment of safer and more effective survey methods at fire sites.

You can read the full paper (in Japanese) at the link below.

https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.33709.96487

Attendance Report: "Approaching the Reality of People with Disabilities" Seminar 10th Anniversary Event

I had the opportunity to attend the "Approaching the Reality of People with Disabilities" seminar's 10th-anniversary event at the University of Tokyo, a special session titled "The Reality of Disabilities × The Reality of University Students." The event featured moving lectures from special guests. Each speaker emphasized the importance of living authentically and the societal need for mutual understanding and support to protect the rights of people with disabilities and build a future where we can coexist. Below is the detailed attendance report.

開催ポスター

Opening Remarks by Professor Kazuhiro Nozawa: The seminar began in 2013 and has been managed by volunteer students. It focuses on the broad "hardships of living" faced by people with disabilities and addresses issues related to disabilities without taboos. The seminar aims to connect with the real lives and experiences of people with disabilities and stakeholders, stressing the importance of listening to each individual's thoughts and maintaining a perspective centered on those with disabilities.

Special guest lectures from Mr. Okabe and Ms. Sato, who are ALS patients. Ms. Sato explained about ALS. Despite their condition, Mr. Okabe and Ms. Sato have established the NPO "Beyond Boundaries" and are actively involved. ALS is a progressive disease that impairs the nerves that move muscles, causing difficulties like breathing problems. About 10,000 people in Japan are affected, and while there is no cure, 30% of patients require respirators due to severe progression within 2-5 years. Economic reasons or personal choices sometimes lead to patients forgoing respirators. As the disease progresses and mobility decreases, patients must continuously choose to live.

Words from special guest Mr. Okabe, an ALS patient: While effort can lead to achieving goals, it's not always rewarded. It's essential for everyone to live in their own way. Finding meaning in life isn't just about striving but cherishing every moment.

Words from special guest Ms. Sato, an ALS patient: She started volunteering after the Great East Japan Earthquake and began researching her grandfather's wartime experiences after being hospitalized and diagnosed. Through documents, she learned about the horrors of war and the value of peace, committing to live for peace while battling the disease. She writes a blog titled "Writing, Living," which can be found at https://satohiromi.amebaownd.com.

Q&A session after Mr. Okabe and Ms. Sato's talks.

Q: There are mentions in your book and blog about feeling uncomfortable with viewing life and death as a binary choice. Could you elaborate on your thoughts? A: From a medical perspective, it's unnatural to choose death as life focuses on survival. However, humans have the capacity to choose their way of life, and it's important to contemplate what it means to live. Choices about how to live can lead to issues like war. The sanctity of life and freedom to choose how to live are crucial.

Q: In your book, you mention how meeting a senior patient made you contemplate whether to continue living. Have you had any significant encounters after being diagnosed with ALS? A: Before the diagnosis, I was optimistic about life, but that changed after becoming ill. Particularly, I felt a significant shift in human relationships. As ALS progressed, relationships with caregivers also became complicated, sometimes feeling like 'part of oneself,' yet painfully aware of the abnormality of the situation. Respecting others' lives is vital, and denying the life of someone with severe disabilities is akin to killing them.

Q: In a pre-interview, you mentioned that "there are words that need to be heard in the world, and feelings that cannot be expressed in the first person, yet people are forced to live with pain and fear every day." What do you mean by "feelings that cannot be expressed in the first person"? A: Many people carry unexpressable pain. I, too, hid this pain for a long time. However, meeting Mr. Okabe helped me begin to talk about it. A place to express and someone to accept this expression are necessary. Without understanding from others, it's difficult to communicate. The challenge of speaking in the first person and the importance of accepting others' pain are crucial.

Q: Mr. Okabe, you always wear lovely hats. How many do you own? A: Thank you for your question. I probably have about 15. I always wear a hat, which might seem impolite, but I have a condition called macular degeneration that makes it difficult to blink in bright light, affecting my communication. I was advised by my doctor to wear sunglasses, but I felt they looked bad, so I switched to hats.

Q: Friends often talk to me about feeling that "it would be easier to die" or expressing a desire to die. What responses are appropriate for someone harboring such thoughts? Currently, I can only listen attentively and sincerely, tell them that I want them to live, and offer to support them through their difficulties. A: The key is to reduce or remove the urge to die. Just being there can be enough. I've felt saved just by someone's presence. However, it's important to create an environment where one can express such thoughts, as it indicates a high level of trust. I hope people remember that. It's crucial to communicate that you're there in some way.

Q: Regardless of the presence or severity of a disability, how should society change so that everyone can live authentically? What kind of society do you hope for in the future? A: To create a society where everyone, regardless of disability, can live authentically, it's essential for each person to understand the challenges of living and consider what's best for others. Currently, many people view those with disabilities or the elderly as nuisances, and there's a lack of serious communal support. Changing this mindset requires understanding and appreciating our differences. A society where everyone can live securely is necessary. I hope for a society where everyone can thrive.

Words from Professors Kazuhiro Nozawa and Satoshi Fukushima: Professor Fukushima, who is deafblind, notes that there are challenges in policies and services from the perspective of those with disabilities. It's important for society to understand the daily difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities and for those affected to support and encourage each other. Interacting with peers who share common experiences provides the strength to live. The rights of people with disabilities should be equally protected regardless of their condition, and despite technological advances, the protection of these rights is currently insufficient. Society needs to stand in the shoes of people with disabilities and advance the development of systems and infrastructure. It's crucial to have a concrete vision for an inclusive society and work towards its realization.

Lecture "Breaking Down Barriers in Welfare" by Mr. Takuya Baba, Chairman of Aikawa Shunjukai, a social welfare corporation: He runs various care services, including small multifunctional home care and group homes for the elderly with dementia. Following incidents in dementia care, he has worked to break the isolation of such facilities and rebuild connections with the community. Through workshops and cooperation with local authorities, he has deepened dialogue with the community, repurposed closed facilities, and planned to operate them as community-open bases. Regular dialogue with local residents, participation in events, and transparency in facility activities are crucial. During the Q&A, it was highlighted that in elderly facilities restricted by infection control measures, continuing interactions among users while wearing masks was practiced to overcome the challenges posed by infectious diseases. Providing support that allows individuals to live authentically is important.

Discussion by current and former volunteer university students.

■Reflection on Activities

The seminar was established following a life-changing encounter in a class after a failed job search, leading to heightened interest in disabilities. Engaging with individuals with disabilities as equals has emphasized the importance of facing each person as a human being, leading to valuable insights. Over ten years, the group has evolved, holding annual seminars and involving alumni in transitioning responsibilities to juniors. The 10th anniversary marks a point for further development, aiming to enhance outreach and expand support networks.

■Voices of Current Members Experiences and backgrounds of people with disabilities: Members have gained a real sense of the upbringing and experiences of people with disabilities... their environmental origins, the challenges and joys of living with a disability. While there are prejudices and discrimination, the presence of supportive families and a positive attitude towards overcoming difficulties are notable. Deepened understanding of disability issues through university: College entry sparked a strong interest in disability issues, deepening understanding. Each individual's uniqueness was appreciated, highlighting the importance of positively perceiving oneself and others. Issue-raising from the perspective of people with disabilities: From their viewpoint, societal challenges were addressed. Moving away from binary thinking between 'abled' and 'disabled' and appreciating each individual's worth were key insights gained.

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Annoucement of my new position at The University of Tokyo

I’m happy to announce that I’m starting a new position as Project Assistant Professor at The University of Tokyo. I will continue to collaborate with researchers and practitioners in various fields and hope to contribute to improving the resilience of modern society.

November 1, 2023
Abel Táiti Konno Pinheiro