Japan is taking steps to enhance emergency preparedness including a possible contingency involving Taiwan. According to the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation NHK, the Japanese government plans to establish underground reinforced concrete shelters for residents in Ishigaki City and four other municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture's Sakishima Islands.
Ishigaki City has proposed that one shelter be built beneath a disaster prevention park adjacent to the city office. The facility will cover approximately 6,000 square meters, accommodate around 500 people, and double as a parking lot during non-emergency periods.
Ishigaki City Council in December proposed a budget of ¥50 million (US$326,800) to outsource the basic design of the shelter. If approved, the city plans to finalize a design contract with a contractor by the end of this fiscal year through a bidding process.