Indispensable during disasters
To promote the use of disaster prevention wells
To stake one's life on it

Kazuyuki Iwakuma honed his English skills at J. F. Oberlin University, worked at an advertising agency, and then transitioned to the family business of geological surveying. Although his career is unusual, what he learned in his youth is still being applied today.
"Following my grandfather's wishes, I decided to take over the geological survey business. While gaining experience on site from scratch, I gained the opportunity to apply the English skills I developed during university by hiring foreigners for the first time in the industry. I promoted this not only to solve labor shortages but also to support employment for foreign workers. The activities of the Kumamoto Prefecture Geological Survey Association connect with Malaysians and develop international exchange. Even now, 40 years after graduation, I am still able to use my English skills on the ground thanks to J. F. Oberlin University 's language education."

Currently, Mr. Iwakuma also serves as a director and vice president of the National Sakui Well Association. His lifelong work is promoting disaster prevention wells.

"Water is essential during disasters, but in reality, the shortage of domestic water such as toilets is even more severe than drinking water. I learned firsthand from the Kumamoto Earthquake, which I experienced firsthand. Based on that experience, I created materials and presented the importance of disaster prevention wells to the Cabinet Office. The Noto Peninsula earthquake occurred the following month, which led to the formulation of national guidelines. However, there is still a nationwide shortage, so I want to continue promoting these efforts."

Mr. Iwakuma takes action himself and carves out his own path. ...... is that life motto?

"Everyone makes a decision sometimes, but no one knows if it's the right choice at that point. If you have something you want to do, swing the bat first. It's okay to fail by swinging and missing. The biggest regret is hesitating, missing, and striking out."

We want to increase the number of disaster prevention wells and reduce disaster-related deaths even a little. With that desire in mind, Mr. Iwakuma's activities will continue going forward.