During a research visit to Japan, Prof. Dr. Matthias Rohs gained valuable insights into fire department training and civil protection structures. Among other things, he visited the Fire and Disaster Management College in Chofu (Tokyo), a national academy for the training of disaster management executives, as well as the Tokyo Fire Department. There he was able to see for himself the high standard of the training programs and training concepts.

Numerous and varied training facilities are available in Japan for the training of firefighters, enabling realistic simulations of fires and evacuations - for example from subway systems. In addition, the fire department is actively involved in schools and supports educational programs for civil protection in local communities.

In several training centers, the population also has the opportunity to learn how to use fire extinguishers in practical exercises, train evacuations from smoke-filled buildings or practice the correct response to earthquakes. In view of the particular danger posed by natural disasters, especially earthquakes, this offer has met with great interest among the population.

Despite structural differences, the Japanese system can provide a great deal of inspiration for Germany. During the visit, more intensive cooperation in the area of training and further education was therefore agreed.