IISEE NewsletterSep 29, 2023
Number 217

International Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering BRI Japan
1 Tachihara Tsukuba Japan 305-0802

tel+81-29-879-0678 facsim+81-29-864-6777

In This Issue

Final Presentation held on August 3rd and 4th• Final Presentation
held on August 3rdand 4th

By Dr. Bunichiro Shibazaki, Director of IISEE• Visit of ExParticipants fromTonga to the IISEE• The 2022-2023
Training Course
Closed• Closing Ceremony
Speech• Visit of ExParticipants fromIndonesia to theIISEEThe final presentations for individual study for the 2022-2023
Regular Course were held on August 3 and 4.
The final presentations were held jointly by the three courses:
Seismology, Earthquake Engineering, and Tsunami Disaster
Mitigation and all 14 participants could join the final presentationand present the results of their master's thesis research.
We are very pleased that all participants were able to complete
their master's theses.
We would also like to thank supervisors for their thoughtful
guidance and online participation in the final presentations.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all.

• Report on KansaiStudy Trip
• Report on Tokyo・Gunma Study Trip
• Newly PublishedPapers

Mr. Shalaby Ibrahim (Egypt)
S-Couese

Ms. Nur Shajihan Binti Mohamed
Iabal (Malaysia) E-Couese

Visit of Ex-Participants from Tonga to the IISEEBy Mr. Yasuhiko Akiba, Head of Administration Division, IISEEThe ex-participants, Mr. Mafoa Latu PENISONI (2020-2021
Seismology course) and Ms. Victorina Stephanie Nodis LEGER(2021-2022 Earthquake Engineering course) from Tonga visitedthe IISEE on the 29th and 30th in August.

Due to COVID, both participants took lectures remotely andcompleted the training course without coming to Japan.
On the 29th, they had a tour of the IISEE and had a meeting with
their advisor. On the 30th, they made research presentations, paida courtesy call to President Sawachi, had a lunch at the IISEE, andconcluded with an exchange of opinions.

Group PhotoIISEE Net andTraining

Research Presentation

Synopsis Database

The 2022-2023 Training Course Closed

Bulletin Database

By Mr. Yasuhiko Akiba, Head of Administration Division, IISEEIISEE E-learning
IISEENETIISEE-UNESCO LectureNoteOn Sep 12, we had a closing
ceremony of the training courses
in Seismology, Earthquake
Engineering, and Tsunami
Disaster Mitigation, which started
on Oct 5, last year.
14 participants from 8 countries(India(1), Indonesia(2), Egypt(3),Comoros(1), Fiji(2),Philippines(1), Bhutan(1), andMalysia(3)) joined the training
course. In the ceremony, therepresentative of participantsreceived a certificate ofcompletion and Post Graduate
Diplomas. After that, all theparticipants were awarded.

Ms. Emiko MUTSUYOSHI,
Deputy Director General,
Tsukuba Center, JICA

Dr. Hiroshi FUKUYAMA,Vice President of BRI

Earthquakes
Reports of RecentEarthquakes

During the training period, theparticipants were divided into
three courses, Seismology,
Earthquake Engineering, andTsunami Disaster Mitigation, andhave attended specialized lecturesconsidering their field. Theysummarized the research andMr. Koji KATAYAMA,
solutions for the problems in their
Director of Disastercountries.
Management
In the closing ceremony, theDirector of Disaster Management
Policy Program of GRIPS, Mr. Katayama announced 3 participantsof the best research award. Dr. Shibazaki, the director of IISEE,
announced 4 participants of the IISEE director’s award.
Lastly, Mr. Harvan from Indonesia made an address in reply tocongratulatory speeches.
We wish their success in their country using the knowledge fromthis training course and the network of the people.

Utsu Catalog
Earthquake Catalog

Presentation of Certificate
Ms. Mariama Madi from Comoros,
S course

Presentation of Diploma
Mr. Lesikikabara Koroi from Fiji,
T course

Best Research Award
Mr. Sawi Paulo from Philippines,
S course

Best Research Award
Mr. Sulthan Faiz from Indonesia,
E course

Best Research Award
Mr. Chodavarapu Patanjali Kumar
from India, T course

IISEE Director’s Award
Mr.Adam Hany Abuelnaga Amenfrom Egypt, S course

IISEE Director’s Award
Mr. Dendup Tshering from Bhutan,
E course

IISEE Director’s AwardMs. Nurul Nasuha Binti Md Zin
from Malaysia, E course

IISEE Director’s Award
Mr. Elbehiri Hani Saber Abdelsalam
Farag from Egypt, T courseGroup PhotoClosing Ceremony Speech
By Mr. Harvan Muhammad from Indonesia, T-course
Good Afternoon.
Director Emiko Mutsuyoshi, theDirector General of JICA
Tsukuba Center.
Doctor Takao Sawachi, thePresident of the Building
Research Institute.
Professor Koji Katayama, theDirector of the Disaster
Mr. Harvan Muhammad
Management Policy Program.
Doctor Bunichiro Shibazaki, theDirector of the International
Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering.
And all the distinguished guests and participants.
As we gather here at this moment, to celebrate the end of ourstudy, I am reminded of one of my favorite Japanese proverbs:“Senri no michi mo ippo kara”, which can be translated to,“Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a singlestep.”
It has been almost a year since we, the participants, came toJapan, and the proverb reminded me of the very first time wewere here, starting our journey. Some of us came alone, some of
us came by leaving our loved ones back home, some of us camewith no knowledge of what we were going to get while being here.
However, what I saw a year ago were faces that were filled withdetermination to take their very first steps in their academic
journey.
I could argue that our time in this program has been an incredible
journey, filled with countless steps, each representing a momentof growth, learning, and discovery. We've faced challenges,
embraced opportunities, and worked tirelessly to reach our goals.
But let us not forget that it all began with that very first step—thedecision to pursue knowledge and embark on this educationaladventure.
But of course, our journey here will not be anything sort of worthy
and joyful without the help from all the professors and the staff
members here. Therefore, on behalf of all the participants, I would
like to express the most heartfelt gratitude for them. Our
professors, from IISEE, GRIPS, and other campuses andinstitutions, have not only imparted us with knowledge, but have

also inspired us, and challenged our thinking with their expertiseand offering guidance. Their dedication to our education was thereason we can be here today.
I also want to acknowledge the unwavering hard work of thesupporting staff members from IISEE/BRI, who work tirelessly toassist us, to ensure that the study program can function smoothly,and ensure that our academic life is as convenient as possible.
Last but not least, I am also profoundly grateful to JICA, and theofficers for their continuous support during our study. Because,
without them we participants would not even be here. The JICA
Scholarship program and Initiatives have played an important rolein shaping our path to this very moment. So, thank you, forbelieving in our potential and giving us the opportunity to receivea world-class education.
To end my speech, I want to congratulate us, the graduates, forsuccessfully finishing our study and reaching our goals. But don’t
forget, this is not the end of the journey. In fact, this is just thebeginning of another journey that life will throw at us. So, let us
keep our unwavering determination to live and enjoy anotheradventure.
Enjoy, Now

Once again, thank you very much, have a safe trip to your homecountry, stay in touch with each other, and see you again in thefuture.

GRIPS Graduation Ceremony
By Mr. Yasuhiko Akiba, Head of Administration Division, IISEEWith the collaboration of the National Graduate Institute for Policy
Studies (GRIPS), IISEE participants are awarded the degrees ofMaster of Disaster Management when they complete a one-yeartraining course.
Unlike in previous years, when some participants participatedremotely, this year, all the participants attended the graduation
ceremony at the GRIPS on Wednesday, September 13
In closing the 2022-2023 IISEE training course, we would like toexpress our sincere gratitude to all the people involved for theircooperation. Thank you very much.
Dean’s Award: Mr. Harvan Muhammad

GIPS Graduation Ceremony

Contact Us
The IISEE Newsletter isintended to act as a gobetween for IISEE andex-participants.
We encourage you tocontribute a report andan article to this newsletter. Please let us
know your current
activities in yourcountries.
We also welcome yourco-workers and friends
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iiseenews@kenken.go.jp
https://iisee.kenken.go.jp/en/Report on Kansai Study Trip
(1)Nurul Zawani Binti Hamidon (Malaysia) E-Course
During our educational excursion to theKansai region from 22nd to 25th August
2023, we immersed ourselves inunderstanding the profound impacts ofnatural disasters, specifically the Great
Hanshin Earthquake, and the subsequentinnovations in disaster mitigation andinfrastructure resilience in Japan.
Our journey began with a visit to the Disaster Reduction andHuman Renovation Institution. This institution serves as apoignant reminder of the 1995 Kobe earthquake's devastation andshowcases Japan's dedication to disaster preparedness and urban
resilience. Through interactive displays, we learned about thetragedies that befell the citizens and the subsequent recovery andrevitalization initiatives. The narratives of survivors imbued us
with a renewed appreciation for the need to foster robust disaster
response systems.

Later the same day, we headed to theHyogo Earthquake Engineering ResearchCenter (NIED). Here, cutting-edge
research is conducted to counter theunpredictable forces of nature. We wereintroduced to advanced earthquake
simulation techniques and infrastructuraldesigns aimed at minimizing earthquake
damage. The facility's proactive approach
towards forecasting and simulating
earthquake responses highlights Japan'scommitment to safeguarding its citizens
and infrastructure against futurecalamities.
On the subsequent day, our groupmarveled at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge,
the second world's longest suspension
bridge. At the Exhibition Center, welearned about the bridge's uniqueengineering adaptations, which wereBack Numbers redesigned post the 1995 earthquake
https://iisee.kenken.go that extended the bridge by nearly one
meter. One of the most striking.jp/en/newsletter/narratives revolves around the 1995
Great Hanshin Earthquake. The bridge
was under construction when the quake
struck, moving its two towers by almosta meter and causing significant damage. Instead of seeing it as asetback, engineers took it as an opportunity to incorporate
additional features, making the bridge even more resilient. The
tour atop the bridge was particularly exhilarating, offering apanoramic view of the surrounding seascape and a tangible
example of infrastructural resilience. It stands as a testament tohumanity's ability to innovate in the face of adversity.
Concluding our trip was a visit to the Nojima Fault Preservation
Museum. Here, the raw scar of the 1995 earthquake, the Nojima
Fault, is preserved in its ruptured state. It serves as a stark
reminder of the earth's unpredictable power. The museum
extensively documented the seismic studies post-earthquake,
fostering a deeper understanding of tectonic movements and theirconsequences. The museum also plays a role in ongoing geologicaland seismological research. Scientists and researchers utilize thesite for studies, contributing to the broader understanding ofearthquakes and aiding in disaster prevention efforts.
Our four-day study trip to the Kansai Region was a blend ofsomber memories and awe-inspiring innovations. We left with aheightened awareness of
the importance of disaster
preparedness and a deep
admiration for Japan'sindomitable spirit andadvanced technologicalstrides in ensuring a safer
future.

(2)Harvan Muhammad (Indonesia) T-Course
Day 2 – Hirogawa Town and Osaka City
•Hamaguchi Goryo Archives
On the second day, we travel to Hirogawa
Town, Wakayama prefecture to visit theHamaguchi Goryo Archives. It is a building
dedicated to one of Japan prominent figurenamed Hamaguchi Goryo and also act asTsunami Educational Center. In this place welearnt about the life of Hamaguchi Goryo and his effort in saving
the lifes of people of Hirogawa Town during the 1854 Ansei era
tsunami. He burned his own rice sheaves (Inamura) in order toalert the people of upcoming tsunami and showing them the way
to evacuate. The heroic story was told to next generation as thelegend of Inamura no hi or Fire of the Rice Sheaves.
The village was severely devastated by the tsunami, thus
encourage Goryo-san to take remarkable actions to restore hishometown. He dedicated himself to revitalization efforts, such as
erecting shelters for disaster survivors. He also initiated to build a
600-meter- long and 5-meter-high protective barrier, significantly
reducing the impact of future tsunamis.
The Tsunami Educational Center also provide several attractions
for visitor regarding the science and impact of tsunami, as well as
how to prepare ourselves against the disaster. Visitors can learn
how to prepare for a tsunami through games and videos, watch amini tsunami learn about the impact and how the shape oftsunami waves are different from normal waves, and find out
about how tsunami preparation has been passed on throughout
the history of tsunami.

Several tourist attractions in the Tsunami Learning Center. (left)
Games and videos for learning tsunami preparedness, (right)
infographic wall about the “Inamura-no-Hi”.
•Tsunami/Storm Surge Disaster Prevention Station
Next destination was to visit the Tsunami and Storm Surge
Disaster Prevention Station in Osaka city. Osaka is one of thebiggest and most populous cities in Japan, the city was originallylocated in flood plain area and used to submerged under the sealevel. But as the sea level decreasing, a lot of people start toinhabit the area and build the city around it. However, as theurban development progressing, several problems were emerged,
and one of them is land subsidence. Some part of Osaka city isunder the averaged sea level. This has made Osaka particularly
susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall, typhoons, and storm
surges.
The station was established as the focal point in preventing thecoastal and water disaster related in Osaka City. It provides
monitoring, controlling, and first responder services for tsunami
and tidal surge protection facilities, such as seawalls and gates.
But now, the facility also acts as learning center to improveawareness of disaster prevention among Osaka residents.

The building of Tsunami/Storm Surge Disaster Prevention stationand one of the visitor attractions inside•Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution
This facility was located in Kobe City, and built to commemorate
the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, also known as the Kobe
Earthquake. The institution acts as a memorial to the victims of
the Great Hanshin Earthquake and provides educational programs
related to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, andrecovery, which aims to raise awareness about the importance ofdisaster resilience and promote knowledge sharing.
During our visit, we watch several documentary movies regarding
the situation during the Kobe earthquake. We also visit themuseum that shows the diorama, documents, artifacts, andphotograph showing the devastating aftereffect of the disaster.
The institution hoping that by providing this material, it will serve
as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the public ingeneral to learn about the earthquake's impact and the recoveryprocess.

Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution. The roomshows the artifact and memento for the Kobe earthquake event.

Report on Tokyo・Gunma Study Trip
(1)Mariama Madi (Comoros) S-Course
Day1 Honjo Life Safety Learning Center,Tokyo
On the first day, we visited Honjo Safety
Learning Center the deployed efforts byJapan for disaster resilience. At the Center,floods are simulated where in some areas
water flow took more than two weeks andexpanded more rapidly from area toanother. We experienced simulated heavy rain and storm in theexperience room and realized how severe heavy rains can be.
Earthquakes as well caused a negative impact through damages
and lots of lost lives. Devastating earthquakes have been
simulated as well, were we experienced shaking table for intensity
6 and 7 of earthquakes that occurred in Japan and how theshaking was severe.
This visit has been an opportunity for ICHARM participants toexperience earthquakes, while IISEE participants experienced
heavy rain and flooding throughout simulations.

(2)Adam Hany Abuelnaga Amen (Egypt) S-Course
Yanba Dam
Yanba Dam, situated in Naganohara, Gunma
Prefecture, serves a vital role in safeguarding
lives from floods and meeting the water needsof the Tokyo metropolitan region. Constructed
over several decades, it reached effective
completion in October 2019 and was officiallyopened on April 1, 2020. This impressive dam
stands 131 meters tall, spans approximately 336 meters in length,and boasts a total water storage capacity of 107.5 million cubicmeters.

Tomioka Silk Mill
Established in 1872, the Tomioka Silk Mill, Japan's inauguralmodern silk factory, was constructed with French expertise toenhance silk quality through contemporary machinery andimproved worker conditions. Over the years, its well-preservedstructures, particularly three long brick buildings, including the silkreeling mill and east and west warehouses, have maintained their
original appearance, offering a glimpse into its historicalsignificance and processes.

Newly Published Papers（Newly published papers by IISEE staff and alumni are
introduced.)
Review Paper by Dr. Shibazaki (Progress in Earth and PlanetaryScience)
Title: Progress in modeling the Tohoku-oki megathrust earthquake
cycle and associated crustal deformation processes
Author: B. Shibazaki
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-023-00575-x
Research Paper by Dr. Hayashida et al. (Seismological ResearchLetters)
Title: Tracking the effect of human activity on MeSO-net noiseusing seismic tata traffic—Did seismic noise in Tokyo truly
decrease during the COVID-19 state of emergency?
Authors: T. Hayashida, M. Yoshimi, H. Suzuki, S. Mori, T. Kagawa,K. Ichii, and M. Yamada
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1785/0220230015