On 24 June 2022 Press Club, Kolkata, India Japan Laboratory of Keio University, RIKA Institute and Resilience Innovation Knowledge Academy (RIKA) have jointly organized a one-day media training, capacity enhancement and sensitization workshop on “Media Sensitisation Programme—Disaster Risk Reduction and Communication” at Kolkata Press Club as a part of commemorating the 70 years of Diplomatic Relation between India and Japan. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Minister (Disaster Management and Civil Defence) Javed Ahmed Khan, Mr. Koichi Nakagawa, Consul General of Japan at Kolkata, Professor Rajib Shaw, Director of India Japan Laboratory of Keio University, and Snehasis Sur, the president of Kolkata Press Club. Ms. Tomo Kawane, Senior Researcher of IJL, chaired the session on Experiences from Japan, where three eminent speakers were invited:
1. Professor Hiromi Hirose of Kinki University (Ex-NHK Bureau Chief India), “Media and Culture in Japanese Disaster”
2. Professor Irie Sayaka of Matsumoto University (Ex NHK Broadcast Culture Research Institute), “Experiences from Japan: Disaster Prevention Reports on Typhoons”
3. Professor Ruby Pawankar of Nippon Medical School, “Climate change & Air pollution: Impact on Health”
Both experienced and young journalists have participated, totalling 60 media personnel. Also 30 educationists took part in the workshop. So with the participation of 90 people (including 20 women) the workshop was well attended and highly appreciated. It was widely reported in local print media and also partly telecasted live.
From left: Professor Rajib Shaw (Director, IJL), Ms. Soma Dutta (Director, RIKA), Ms. Krishnakali Ghosh (Member, RIKA), Ms. Tomo Kawane (Senior Researcher, IJL), Mr. Snehashish Sur (President, Kolkata Press Club)