It looks like a nationwide test of the National Early Warning System (J-ALERT) will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26. A test announcement will be broadcast from outdoor speakers at 45 locations across the city.
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↑ Mayor Takashima also shared the announcement on Instagram.
The broadcast will apparently go: chime → “This is a J-ALERT test” repeated three times → “This is Ashiya Disaster Prevention” → chime. No emergency alert messages (Area Mail) will be sent.
Incidentally, emergency alert radios use the same frequency as Nishinomiya City, so the message will reportedly identify itself as “Nishinomiya City Disaster Prevention.” That’s a little confusing.
↑ An outdoor loudspeaker station near Nuetsuka Bridge in Ashiya Park
The test may be canceled at the last minute due to weather conditions, missile alerts, or other circumstances. If you miss the broadcast, you can apparently check it on the Ashiya Disaster Prevention Portal or by calling the automated information line at 050-5527-2580 (call charges apply).
Two more tests are scheduled for this fiscal year: Wednesday, November 11 and Wednesday, February 3, 2027.
Click here for details (official Ashiya City website)
In Closing
It’s only a drill, so don’t be alarmed. If you hear “This is a J-ALERT test” at around 11:00 a.m., this is what it’s about.
防災スピーカーの放送、自分ちではどのくらい聞こえる？
