TOKYO – The Japanese government is planning to launch a project that would establish a system to use convenience store networks throughout the country to centralize the gathering of operational information during natural disasters.

The project aims to utilize networks of more than 50,000 convenience stores throughout the country to support disaster-hit areas and restore disrupted distribution of goods in the event of a natural disaster. The information collected by the convenience store industry would be shared by central government agencies, as well as local municipalities and relevant companies.

The planned disaster information system would be capable of collecting information about trucks delivering commodities to convenience stores in disaster-struck areas, as well as locating blocked roads and analyzing traffic congestion. The information would also include the status of trucks transporting goods to convenience stores as well as power outages at each store during earthquakes and other natural disasters.

In disaster-stricken areas, convenience stores often become an important supply base. By transmitting the status of power outages, victims can know which convenience store they can visit to secure commodities like groceries and drinking water.

A study team of the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, as well as convenience stores management teams, will publish a report this spring that incorporates a plan to create the system. Once the report is released, the government will soon start considering specific procedures to build the system.