Church Supports Introduction of Disaster Relief Toilet Truck in Ayabe City

日本語の記事はこちら

DOWNLOAD

On July 24, Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, held a signing ceremony and public unveiling for a disaster response toilet truck called "Toilets That Help Everyone Stay Healthy." Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended the event. Approximately 80 people, including donors, representatives of businesses and organizations, local officials, and members of the media, gathered to celebrate the completion of the vehicle.

Ayabe City planned the introduction of the disaster relief toilet truck to help address toilet shortages during major disasters, maintain sanitary conditions, and protect the health of disaster victims. To fund the project, the city launched a crowdfunding campaign and donation drive that received support exceeding its fundraising goal from citizens, businesses, and organizations. As a result, the vehicle was delivered in July 2026 and officially introduced at the unveiling ceremony.

The event included the signing of a deployment support agreement between Ayabe City and the nonprofit organization Tasukeai Japan. Remarks were given by Mayor Gentaro Shikata and Tasukeai Japan Co-Representative Director Junya Ishikawa, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a reception. Participants toured the vehicle and learned about its capabilities. The truck will be available for deployment to municipalities throughout Japan during disasters.

The Church's support for the project grew out of its relationship with the local community. In 2025, the Ayabe Branch meetinghouse, the first Church-owned meetinghouse in northern Kyoto Prefecture, was completed in Ayabe City. Through the groundbreaking ceremony, open house, and other events, Church members developed relationships with local government officials and community residents.

When Ayabe City later announced plans to introduce a disaster relief toilet truck, local Church members suggested that the Church support the project. After review by the Church's Welfare and Self-Reliance Services department and approval from Church headquarters, a donation was provided to help make the project possible.

Four Church representatives attended the ceremony: Yasushi Hayashi, president of the Kyoto Stake; Koji Tanaka, Kobe District Communication Director; Shigeki Tsujino, Ayabe Branch elders quorum president; and Jun Ochiai of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services for the Asia North Area. Through conversations with the mayor and other community leaders, participants reaffirmed the importance of working together to strengthen disaster preparedness.

The newly unveiled truck contains five toilet stalls, including one fully accessible multi-purpose restroom for wheelchair users. During normal times, the vehicle will be used for disaster preparedness education activities and community events. In the event of a disaster, it will be deployed to affected areas.

The Church supports humanitarian and disaster relief efforts throughout the world. This collaboration is one example of how partnerships with local communities can help protect people's safety and well-being while strengthening preparedness for future disasters.