Protecting farmland

Today, and January 31st annually, is Farmland Disaster Prevention Day (防災農地の日). I had not heard about this anniversary until earlier this week, but having read about it, I think it is an important one. Farmland is not only important for food production, but as a community function during natural disasters.

A council in Osaka Prefecture created “Disaster‑Prevention Farmland Day,” to highlight the vital role farmland can play during emergencies. The day’s timing comes from a wordplay on bō‑sai (1‑3‑1) and the council’s founding date. The role of farmlands includes protecting land, preserving the environment, supporting education and welfare, and, crucially, serving as open space during disasters.

After the 1995 Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake, agricultural land and reservoirs were recognized as essential evacuation areas, firebreaks, and safe routes in dense urban settings. Today, farmers, local governments, and communities work together to maintain and use farmland as disaster‑prevention space, ensuring it remains a protective buffer and a shared resource for future emergencies.