Tokyo's Taito and Shibuya wards have launched new disaster prevention measures to help foreign tourists find safety during emergencies [1], [2].

These initiatives address a critical safety gap in high-traffic areas where language barriers can hinder evacuation. With more than 300,000 foreign tourists potentially becoming stranded in Tokyo during a disaster [1], local governments are prioritizing intuitive communication to prevent panic and casualties.

Taito Ward, focusing on the Asakusa and Ueno Station areas, now provides disaster guidelines available in four languages [2]. These guides provide essential instructions to ensure visitors can navigate emergency protocols regardless of their native tongue.

In Shibuya Ward, officials have taken a visual approach by installing art-based directional signage. The ward has placed arrow markers at 47 locations across the district to lead people toward evacuation sites [1]. These markers are designed to be understood by anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the area or the Japanese language.

"Arrows are universally understood," said Seiji Onozawa, the Shibuya Ward disaster plan manager [1]. He said that people who are unfamiliar with Shibuya or do not speak Japanese can reach evacuation sites simply by following the arrows [1].

The measures are being highlighted during the Golden Week holiday period, a time of peak travel in Japan. The goal is to create a safety net that does not rely solely on translation, but on universal design principles that work in high-stress environments.

Visitors have reacted positively to the changes. One foreign tourist said the measures are a good preparation [2].

“Arrows are universally understood”

The shift toward visual and multilingual disaster signage reflects Tokyo's adaptation to a massive increase in international tourism. By moving beyond text-heavy instructions and implementing universal symbols, the city is reducing the reliance on real-time translation services, which often fail during power outages or network congestion following a major earthquake.