September 1, 1923
"National Earthquake Evacuation Drill Guidelines (Executive Committee Chairman: Dr. Imamura Akitsune)"
Dr. Imamura, now thrust into the role of overseeing a nationwide evacuation drill, was pale with anxiety. While the government officially referred to him as the executive committee chairman, newspapers sensationalized the event with headlines like, "Dr. Imamura Predicts a Major Earthquake on September 1st!"
"Ugh… my stomach hurts…"
Dr. Imamura clutched his stomach, overwhelmed by stress.
To fund this evacuation drill, a temporary budget was proposed, but the Ministry of Finance expressed reservations. They questioned whether such a large-scale drill was truly necessary at this time. Opposition parties also attacked the government, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.
Even within the government, there was skepticism about the need for such an extensive drill, despite it being proposed by the Crown Prince Regent. They urged the Regent to reconsider.
"Prime Minister, are you suggesting that we significantly scale back this evacuation drill and exclude the army and navy? Are you saying this is a waste of budget?"
"Yes, Your Highness. No, I'm not saying it's a waste. Preparing for natural disasters is necessary. However, a drill of this scale will disrupt daily life. According to the plan, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on September 1st, all trains in the Kanto and Tokai regions will be halted. Everyone, including hospital patients, must evacuate all buildings without exception. Ships anchored along the coast from Tokai to northern Kanto must move at least 5 km offshore. Additionally, mobilizing 150,000 army troops and 30 naval vessels, distributing all stored hardtack, and preparing food for 2 million people—with meals served once on the day of the drill and twice the following day—is almost akin to wartime mobilization. It seems excessive. Moreover, while we can manage this year with a temporary budget, if this becomes an annual event, we'll need a stable source of funding."
"I see. So, the Prime Minister is dissatisfied with Dr. Imamura's plan. But if a massive earthquake strikes within a few years, causing the collapse of buildings and fires across Tokyo, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths, who will take responsibility? If this drill can prevent even a fraction of that, isn't this budget a small price to pay? Besides, this first drill is meant to raise awareness, so it's large-scale. We can scale it down in subsequent years."
"Yes, Your Highness. However…"
"Minister, disasters are inevitable. Records of major earthquakes date back to ancient times. And humans cannot prevent them. Therefore, isn't it the duty of leaders to make every effort to protect the people?"
"Yes, Your Highness. You're absolutely right. Preparing for emergencies is necessary, but the scale of this drill…"
"Enough. This plan has not only my approval but also the Emperor's. Any further objections would be disrespectful."
The Crown Prince Regent, perhaps a bit forceful, ensured that the evacuation drill would proceed as planned.
Dr. Imamura's stomachache only worsened.
The Drill Begins
September 1, 1923, 11:15 a.m.
The evacuation drill began.
"Earthquake! A major earthquake has occurred!"
Fire brigade members, following the plan, announced the "earthquake" at the top of their lungs. Though they shouted with all their might, the lack of real urgency made the announcements feel somewhat hollow.
In the Kanto region, city gas supplies had been cut off since morning, and factories using gas engines halted production. At 11:15 a.m., the use of fire was prohibited across Kanto and Tokai, including at coal-fired power plants, which stopped combustion by cutting off air supply. This simulated a massive blackout caused by the earthquake.
Local fire brigades called for evacuation, and residents began leaving their homes, forming orderly lines as they moved to designated evacuation sites like parks and schoolyards.
Since it was a Saturday, schoolchildren were present. At the start of the drill, they hid under their desks before being led by teachers to the schoolyard.
The Type 1 Ushi Fire Pumps, distributed over the past two years, were set up at fire reservoirs, ready for use.
The army, led by the Imperial Guard Division, guided evacuees. The soldiers' morale was high, as they had received direct instructions from the ailing Emperor:
"Protect my people, your fellow citizens."
The Emperor's words carried great weight. Officers on horseback directed the evacuation efforts.
Emergency field hospitals were set up at army training grounds in Hibiya, Aoyama, Yoyogi, Komazawa, and Komaba, preparing to receive injured civilians.
Tents from army divisions across the country were pre-positioned to accommodate large numbers of evacuees in case of a disaster.
Residents in coastal areas from Tokai to northern Kanto began evacuating to higher ground, as the drill included preparations for a tsunami following a major earthquake.
Foreign embassies in Japan were also "strongly encouraged" to participate. While puzzled by the Japanese government's thoroughness, most embassies left a minimal staff and joined the drill as a diplomatic courtesy.
By now, most residents of Kanto and Tokai had completed their evacuation.
"Mom, it's so hot…"
A five-year-old child clung to their mother, crying. The temperature exceeded 30°C, and under the blazing sun, evacuees in parks had no shade and no supplies. By noon, everyone was growing hungry.
Then, the fateful moment arrived.
11:58 a.m.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 42!
Will they manage to pull through?
I'll continue working hard to bring this story to its conclusion. If you found it interesting and want to read more, I'd be thrilled if you could bookmark it or leave a rating!
If you didn't enjoy it, feel free to rate it "★☆☆☆☆"! I'll use your feedback to improve.
Your thoughts and comments are always welcome and help guide my writing!
Criticism like "the pacing is too slow," "I don't understand what's going on," or "this feels derivative" is also greatly appreciated!
I'm a bit worried whether those who aren't familiar with history are still enjoying the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that as well!
When my motivation is high, I'll even sacrifice sleep to keep writing!
Thank you for your continued support!