After UK, Japan urges households to stockpile supplies and prepare for emergency announcement

Japan is preparing to urge households across the country to stockpile essential supplies, days after Britain warned that hostile powers could pose a serious military threat by 2030. The parallel has raised questions about why governments are increasingly asking civilians to prepare for emergencies. However, the two countries are addressing different risks. Japan's Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono has said the government will issue an “emergency request” to citizens on November 2, when the country's new National Disaster Management Agency is scheduled to begin operations.

In comments reported by Japanese broadcaster FNN on October 27, Hosono said households should be able to manage for at least three days without public assistance, with a week’s worth of supplies preferable.

The recommended essentials include drinking water, non-perishable food and toilet supplies, reflecting Japan's longstanding preparations for major earthquakes and other natural disasters.

What Japan wants households to stockpile

Japan's government recommends storing approximately three litres of water per person per day, alongside at least three days' worth of food. A supply lasting seven days is preferable where possible. Households are also advised to prepare portable toilets or toilet bags, with around five uses per person per day serving as a planning guideline. Rice, canned food, dried meals and other items with a long shelf life can help families remain self-sufficient if normal services are disrupted.

A readily accessible emergency backpack is another recommended precaution. It can contain a torch, spare batteries, a power bank, a first-aid kit, prescription medicines, a whistle and cash in small denominations.

The guidance is consistent with Japan's established disaster-preparedness advice. The country's government has long encouraged residents to maintain emergency food and water reserves because earthquakes can disrupt electricity, water supplies, transport and access to shops.

The new agency, scheduled to launch on November 2, is intended to strengthen national coordination on disaster preparedness and response. According to The Japan Times, its responsibilities will extend from planning and preparation to emergency response, recovery and reconstruction.

UK warns of growing military threats by 2030

Britain's preparedness messaging comes against a different backdrop: concerns over military threats, hostile-state activity and the resilience of critical infrastructure. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that hostile powers could possess the military strength and war economy needed to threaten Britain by 2030.

“Our adversaries’ willingness to harm us is not new. What has changed is their capacity,” Streeting said, according to The Independent's October 24 report.

He warned that Britain and its NATO allies had “a little over 1,000 days” to become ready to fight and win if necessary. The warning extends beyond conventional military conflict. Potential risks include cyberattacks, sabotage, drone threats and disruption to essential services such as banking, transport and hospitals.

Under the British government's “Be Ready” campaign, households are being encouraged to maintain at least 72 hours' worth of emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, a torch, batteries, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or wind-up radio and emergency cash.

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