Latest News

On January 24, Civic Force held a handover ceremony for disaster relief trailers with Sanyo Parts Co., Ltd. in Saga Prefecture. By collaborating with a company specializing in vehicle inspection and management, Civic Force aims to respond more quickly and carefully to the needs of disaster-stricken areas when utilizing vehicles during emergencies.

At the recent handover ceremony in Saga Prefecture, Civic Force and Sanyo Parts Co., Ltd. formalized a loan agreement for Civic Force's disaster relief trailers. Kaori Neki, Executive Director of Civic Force (pictured left), highlighted the organization's history of using trailers in disasters, detailing past deployments and the collaborative journey with Sanyo Parts. Keiji Sakai, Representative Director of Sanyo Parts (pictured right), also spoke, emphasizing his company's commitment to disaster relief and social contribution.

Civic Force first deployed trailers in disaster response following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. These units were provided free of charge to affected municipalities, NPOs, and schools, serving crucial roles as accommodations, versatile spaces, or offices for volunteers and aid workers. Their utility expanded during the Kumamoto Earthquake, and from 2020, they were lent to medical institutions to function as vital infection control spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neki explained that the collaboration with Sanyo Parts originated from an earlier visit: "It began when we met during a visit to them some time ago. They asked if there was anything they could do to help disaster-stricken areas, and after numerous discussions, we reached this day." She expressed profound gratitude for Sanyo Parts' commitment, acknowledging the significant challenges involved: "Bringing trailers to disaster-stricken areas is easier said than done. It requires tremendous effort, cost, and time for maintenance and preparation in normal times, and then towing them to the affected areas when a disaster strikes. We are truly grateful for their support in this unseen but difficult part, and we hope they will continue to lend their strength through ongoing training and discussions."

President Sakai shared his company's motivation: "Yamaguchi Prefecture experiences few disasters, but ever since I heard Ms. Neki's lecture three or four years ago, I have continuously wanted our company to be involved in disaster preparedness and relief." He added, "While exploring methods of corporate support through study groups and lectures at local universities, we decided to borrow trailers for this activity. Our company has limited experience in support, but we hope this will be a step for each employee to raise their awareness of social contribution."

Founded in 1968, Sanyo Parts specializes in the sale of automotive parts and electrical components. Their discussions with Civic Force regarding disaster cooperation began in 2023, initiated by a donation to Civic Force via Saga Prefecture's corporate hometown tax program.

◆ About the Vehicle 

One FENDT CARAVAN The "Fendt Caravan" trailer house is a towed vehicle approximately 7 meters in length, equipped with a kitchen space, refrigerator, and beds, offering an earthquake-resistant mobile living space. One unit can accommodate around 4-5 people and has a service life of approximately 20 years. With sufficient space, it can be freely parked, allowing for a wide range of users and purposes. During disasters, it can be used as accommodation/rest spaces for disaster victims, aid workers, and medical personnel, or as infection control spaces.