What if an earthquake strikes?
Manual Download (PDF)Actions and decisions in the event of an earthquake (Up until 2-3 weeks after initial earthquake)
Earthquake - Initial shaking subsides
Initial action
Ensure your safety
Actions and decisions
Shaking subsides completely
Initial action
Extinguish fires / Apply first aid / Evacuate or go home
Returning home is only advisable if your home is located less than 20km from campus.
Actions and decisions
If you are on campus, follow the instructions given over the public address system.
Precautions about walking home
- Donʼt walk home until the aftershocks have subsided.
*Make sure you get home before dark. - Avoid moving around at night.
- Use main roads.
- If you can, walk home in groups with other people heading in the same direction.
［Using a shelter］
The university will issue a notice about on-campus shelters over the public address system. The university has a stockpile of food and drinking water.
Several days later
Actions and decisions
Students at shelters go home
Participate in volunteer activities
2-3 weeks later
Initial action
Check the homepage
Actions and decisions
The university reopens
Exercise caution, Act promptly
- In a classroom or the library
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- Cover your head with your jacket or other item and protect yourself from falling objects.
- Crawl under a desk and hold the legs to keep your body steady.
- If near a door, try to open the door to secure an exit if able to do so safely.
- Stay away from bookshelves, windows, monitors or other objects that could fall or break.
- In a hallway
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- Windows may break and walls may cave in, so if possible, evacuate to the nearest classroom and crawl under a desk.
- If there is no classroom nearby, stay away from windows and light fixtures, or other objects that could fall, and crouch down covering your head with your jacket or other item.
- On the field or in the gym
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- Gather in an area where there is little risk of falling objects and crouch down.
- If you are in a place where there is little risk of falling objects, stay there and crouch down until the shaking subsides.
- Inside a laboratory
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- Put out the fire and then turn off any electrical appliances, etc.
*If you are unable to put out the fire, be sure to keep yourself safe. - Be careful when dealing with hazardous materials.
- If a fire breaks out, wait for the shaking to stop before attempting to extinguish the fire. If you judge that it is not possible to extinguish the fire at an early stage, close the door to the room and evacuate as soon as possible.
- Put out the fire and then turn off any electrical appliances, etc.
- Inside an elevator
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- Push all of the buttons and get off when the elevator stops. Elevators equipped with earthquake sensors will automatically stop at the nearest floor.
- If the elevator stops between floors, press the emergency button or use the interphone to call for help.
- If you get trapped inside, do not attempt to escape. Remain calm and wait for assistance.
- Inside your apartment
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- If youʼre in a wooden house, protect your head and leave immediately; or evacuate into a walled room with several pillars and crawl under a strong table. Avoid spacious rooms that could collapse.
- Avoid furniture that may fall and windows that could break. Protect your body under a table or chair.
- Turn off the stove immediately and close the main gas valve. Turn off the circuit breakers.
- Ensure the safety of small children, weak or unwell individuals, and the elderly.
- Do not walk around barefoot.
- On a train or bus
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- Firmly grasp a strap or handrail and brace for a quick stop. If you are sitting down, firmly plant your feet and lean your body forward. Use your belongings to cover your head.
- Even if the vehicle has stopped, do not leave until the driver tells you to.
*High-voltage currents flow near railroad tracks, so it is dangerous to move about without permission. - If you are on the stairs or a train platform, lower your stance to keep yourself from falling. Grab onto fixed objects and evacuate.
- In an underground arcade
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- Press your body against a large pillar or wall and wait for the shaking to subside.
- Underground arcades are relatively safe. If the power goes out, emergency lights will turn on immediately. Remain calm and wait for instructions.
- If a fire breaks out, use a handkerchief to prevent smoke inhalation and keep your body low. Walk along the wall and evacuate to the surface.
- Remain calm. There are exits about every 60m.
- Walking through campus or down the street
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- Use your jacket or other item to protect your head from falling glass, tiles and signs. Evacuate to the nearest open space or sturdy building.
- Never evacuate into wooden buildings, next to vending machines or cinder block walls or against building walls.
- Stay away from fallen power lines.
- Watch out for cracks, depressions and bulges in the ground as well as fallen telephone poles, walls etc.
Evacuation precautions
Give due caution to aftershocks when you evacuate. Act calmly and do not endanger the safety of those around you.
- When indoors, walk along walls but be careful of broken glass. Walk down the center of hallways.
- Always use stairs when evacuating. Never use elevators and escalators.
- If you can, open a door. Give priority to injured and disabled persons and help them evacuate.
- Make sure no one is left behind and leave the door open; however, if there is a fire in the room, close the door.
Important Points Regarding Biwako-Kusatsu Campus
- Use the appropriate fire extinguisher for the type of fire. (Be sure to confirm and understand which fire extinguisher should be used for which kind of fire before you are required to use one.)
- In general, attempt to stop any flow of air (ventilation fans, windows, etc.) before extinguishing a fire unless there is particular risk of toxic gas or smoke.
- If gas spews from a flammable gas cylinder and ignites, first remove flammable material within the vicinity and then douse with water and extinguish the flames.
- If there is a risk of toxic gas or a large amount of smoke being generated, wear protective equipment such as a gas mask or respirator. Try to stay as far windward of the fire as possible and extinguish the flames.
- If it is determined that the situation is such that it cannot be handled by a nonprofessional, such as the fire being too large, presence of toxic gas and smoke, etc., evacuate immediately outdoors.
- Try to turn off power, gas and remove hazardous materials as much as possible when evacuating.
- Be sure make preparations to avoid secondary injury during evacuation by designating a backup route in case of danger on the primary evacuation route, etc.
What if a storm hits?
Manual Download (PDF)Actions and decisions in the event of a storm
Before the storm
Actions and decisions
Prepare the exterior of your home
- Close windows and shutters
- Secure or remove objects that might fall or blow away
- Clean areas that drain poorly
Prepare for emergency
- Prepare flashlights
- Secure food and water
- Check emergency kit
- If necessary, move furniture and check dangerous goods
During the storm
Actions and decisions
Check storm damage information
Seek the latest information from TV or radio. Be sure to check the Ritsumeikan University Campus Terminal.
Evacuate swiftly
If an evacuation order has been issued or you feel in danger, contact your neighbors and evacuate quickly. Confirm your evacuation methods and shelter locations in advance.
Avoid dangerous places
Avoid places where storm surges, floods or landslides may occur.
Emergency measures
Actions and decisions
Post-storm disinfection
To prevent infectious diseases after a flood, sanitize the portions of your house that flooded and any furniture that got wet.
Confirm danger
- Make sure no flammable liquids, such as kerosene, have spilled.
- If you find any downed electrical wires, call the power company, city hall fire department or police department.
Exercise caution, Act promptly
- Prepare for typhoons
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Typhoons are predictable natural phenomena. Make sure you check the size of the storm and time of landfall.
Typhoon intensity
- Classification
- Classification Maximum wind speed (m/s)
- Typhoon
- 17 ‒ 32 m/s
- Strong typhoon
- 33 ‒ 43 m/s
- Very strong typhoon
- 44 ‒ 53 m/s
- Violent typhoon
- 54 m/s and up
Typhoon intensity and anticipated damage *Wind speed is approximate
- 10 m/s
- Umbrellas may break
- 15 m/s
- Poorly attached signs may be blown off
- 20 m/s
- It is hard to stand upright and walk into the wind
- 25 m/s
- Roof tiles blow away and trees break
- 30 m/s
- Roofs may be blown off and houses and telephone poles may collapse or break
- 35 m/s
- Train cars may be blown over
- 40 m/s
- You will be blown over if you donʼt bend your body 45°
- 50 m/s+
- Most wooden houses will collapse and trees will be uprooted
- Prepare for torrential rains
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Since torrential rains strike limited areas suddenly, they are harder to predict than typhoons. Become familiar with the land near your house and take sufficient measures.
Hourly rainfall and its effects
- 10 ‒ 20 mm
- The sound of the rain makes it hard to hear someone talking.
- 20 - 30 mm
- Soaking rain. Ditches, sewer drains and small creeks overflow.
- 30 - 50 mm
- Rain falls like it is being dumped from buckets. Roads flood.
- 50 - 80 mm
- Rain falls like a waterfall. Landslide risk increases. Driving is dangerous.
- 80 mm+
- The rain can cause a major disaster. Exercise extreme caution.
JMA weather advisories and warnings (Kyoto District Meteorological Observatory)
- Heavy rain advisory
- Issued when there is a risk of damage from heavy rain
- Heavy rain warning
- Issued when there is a risk of severe damage from heavy rain
- Flood advisory
- Issued when there is a risk of damage from flooding
- Flood warning
- Issued when there is a risk of severe damage from flooding
- Gale advisory
- Issued when there is a risk of damage from strong winds. Average wind speed: 12 m/s and up
- Storm warning
- Issued when there is a risk of severe damage from a storm. Average wind speed: 20 m/s and up
- Watch out for landslides
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If there is a cliff with a height of 4 m or more near your house, watch out for the following signs and evacuate immediately if you feel uncertain.
Signs of a coming landslide
- Streams of water keep flowing even after the rain stops
- Small rocks and dirt occasionally tumble down the cliff face
- Streams suddenly become murky
- Cracks appear in the ground
- Unusual rumbling sounds
- If an evacuation order is issued
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It is important to pay attention to the TV or radio during a typhoon or torrential rainstorm in order to get the latest information. After a certain amount of rainfall, evacuation orders will be issued, and people will be notified by way of media outlets, local government offices, fire stations and police stations. Follow their instructions and evacuate immediately.
Key Points
- Turn off the main gas valve and circuit breakers before evacuating.
- Avoid evacuating alone if at all possible. Ask your neighbors to go with you.
- Help nearby elderly persons evacuate.
- Confirm the nearest evacuation shelter and choose a meeting place in case you get separated from your family and friends during the evacuation.
What if a fire erupts?
Manual Download (PDF)Actions and decisions in the event of a fire
Fire Warn others
Actions and decisions
Shout loudly to warn those around you
Push the emergency alarm
Call 119
Extinguish flames
Actions and decisions
Evacuate
Actions and decisions
Avoid inhaling smoke and evacuate swiftly
If you can, turn off the main gas valve and circuit breakers before evacuating
Emergency measures
Actions and decisions
Apply first aid to burns or other injuries
Using a fire extinguisher
- Pull out the safety pin
- Detach the hose and point the nozzle at the source of the fire
(Effective distance: About 3m) - Firmly grip the lever and spray the extinguishing agent
Exercise caution, Act promptly
- Warn others
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- Yell "Fire" to let others know and seek help. If you cannot yell, make a loud noise by banging pots and pans.
- If there is an emergency alarm, push it. Call 119 even for small fires.
Remain calm and call 119
Clearly and accurately communicate the location of the fire.
Ex.:
“Iʼd like to report a fire at Ritsumeikan University, in Kinugasa, Kita-ku.”
“The XYZ on the western side of the campus is on fire.”
- Extinguish flames
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- Make a judgment
If a fire has been burning for less than three minutes and the flames do not reach the ceiling, it can be extinguished. Judge the situation quickly and act calmly and swiftly. If you determine the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate immediately.
- Precautions
If there is a fire extinguisher, use it. Aim for the source of the fire.
- Electrical Appliances
- First unplug the cord from the wall socket and flip the circuit breaker, if possible, before extinguishing the fire. Beware of electric shock if attempting to extinguish with water.
- Kerosene Heaters
- Cover the heater with a blanket and douse it with a full bucket of water from above.
- Cigarettes
- Even if you think you've extinguished a cigarette, it may still ignite even without emitting smoke after several hours. Use extensive amounts of water to extinguish the cigarette.
- Oil Pans
- Cover the pan with a well-fitting lid while shielding yourself and then turn off the gas valve. Wet a large piece of cloth such as a bed sheet, wring out excess water, and completely cover the pan, then turn off the gas valve.
*In either case, be sure the temperature as completely returned to normal before taking off the lid or cloth. - Curtains and Japanese Sliding Doors
- Teardown the curtain or knock down the door and extinguish the fire at its base from a safe distance.
- Clothing
- Roll around on the ground until the fire is extinguished. If near the bathroom, particularly if a bath has already been drawn, douse yourself in water.
- Make a judgment
- Evacuate
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If you decide a fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate in a timely manner.
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Four “donʼts” of safe evacuation［Donʼt push / Donʼt run / Donʼt talk / Donʼt go back］
- Leave your belongings behind and evacuate immediately.
- Help children, the elderly and the sick evacuate first.
- Never re-enter a burning building once you leave it.
- If there are people left inside, let the firefighters know.
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If you get enveloped in smoke…
Smoke contains large quantities of toxic gas that can knock you unconscious if you inhale it.
When you evacuate, place a towel over your mouth and nose to avoid smoke inhalation and keep your face low to the ground. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. - Evacuating from a fire
If a fire spreads to within 300m upwind, 150m laterally or 100m downwind, begin evacuating immediately. Keep an eye on the situation and evacuate along a safe route. Be sure to confirm these distances as part of your daily routine using landmarks on campus.
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Four “donʼts” of safe evacuation［Donʼt push / Donʼt run / Donʼt talk / Donʼt go back］
- Fire Prevention Points
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- Electrical Appliances
- Do not overload outlets and place heavy objects on cords, pay attention to plugs that may overheat, and be sure to unplug appliances after use.
- Heaters
- Properly adjust the flame after turning on the heater, make sure there is nothing flammable nearby, do not sleep with the heater on, and do not refuel the heater while it is on.
- Cigarettes
- Be sure there are no burning embers in the ashtray when emptying it and do not smoke in bed.
- Gas Stoves
- Do not leave a stove unattended while on and be careful of frying oil catching fire.
- Wood Fires and Fireworks
- Keep water nearby and douse the remnants with water.
- Arson
- Prevent opportunities for arson by putting trash out in the morning on the designated collection day and keep the area around your home clear of flammable materials.
Actions to take after a disaster
Manual Download (PDF)Post-disaster actions
Help the injured
If anyone is injured, help them immediately and conduct first aid to the best of your ability.
Stopping bleeding
Who needs attention?
If someone is injured and losing a large amount of blood from an external wound, you must stop their bleeding immediately. First, check the type, nature and size of the wound as well as the personʼs complexion. Make sure he or she does not have any deformed limbs or symptoms of shock (i.e., cold sweat, facial pallor, cold extremities) and calmly assess the state of his or her entire body. Arterial bleeding is the most serious type of bleeding because a large amount of blood can be lost in a very short period of time and the injured person can bleed to death. It is characterized by bright red blood spurting out in sync with the heartbeat. Venous bleeding is typified by a steady flow of blackish-red blood, and if left unchecked, it can lead to substantial blood loss. Measures to stop this kind of bleeding are also necessary.
Direct pressure method
This is a technique for stopping bleeding by covering the bleeding area with a clean towel or piece of gauze and applying firm, direct pressure. If you cannot stop the bleeding with one hand, use both hands and the weight of your body to apply steady pressure. Most types of bleeding can be controlled with this method.
Stop blood-borne infections
When you are trying to stop someoneʼs bleeding, make sure their blood does not come into direct contact with your skin. Wear rubber gloves, if they are available, or use plastic bags or other items to prevent direct exposure to blood. Make sure you wash your hands when you are done applying first aid.
To Use AED
You may use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) even if you have not been trained, but you should take a Basic Life Support course if you have the chance.
Burns
Immediately run the affected area under cold water for at least 15 minutes but avoid using high-pressure water. If the person is wearing clothes, run the water over their clothes. If the person has suffered a chemical burn, wash the affected area as you cool it in running water. To avoid dehydration, let the person drink water if they ask for it. Do not apply any medication to the burned area until the person receives a diagnosis from a doctor.
Broken bones
If you suspect a bone has been broken, apply splints and immobilize the affected area. Remember the following points: 1) Be careful not to move the fractured bone and the joints above and below it; 2) If the area is bleeding, stop the flow of blood first; 3) If the bone has pierced the skin or is otherwise deformed, do not forcibly try to straighten it; 4) Use splints to immobilize the joints above and below the broken bone. Apply first aid carefully, paying attention to the personʼs overall condition.
Check lifelines
Disasters often cut lifelines. Respond calmly until they are restored.
Gas
Be sure to shut off the main valve. Even if service is restored, do not turn on the valve until a gas company employee inspects your equipment. If you notice a gas leak, open a window to ventilate the room. Turning on a ventilation fan could cause an explosion.
Electricity
Shut off the circuit breaker. This is the lifeline that is restored the quickest. Inspect your electrical equipment carefully before turning the power back on as there is a risk of short circuiting or shock.
Water
Get into the habit of leaving your bathtub full of water. Water from your apartment buildingʼs water tank and well water can be used as domestic water.
Telephone
If telephone service is interrupted, you will not be able to use phones, fax machines or the internet. You may also have trouble gettingconnections on mobile phones. Decide an emergency contact person in case of emergency. Briefly tell them you are safe and take other measures to streamline information flow.
Using telephones after an earthquake
After an earthquake, accident or other disaster, there is a sudden rush in telephone use which results in difficulty connecting and making phone calls in the disaster area. Because of this, many issues arise when trying to confirm safety and contact fire and police departments.
Telecommunication companies make various efforts to secure communication lines by providing appropriate network controls, disaster telephones, disaster voice message dial systems, and temporary telephone installations in times of disaster.
Keep the following points in mind when using the telephone so that safety can be confirmed in an efficient manner.
- Telephone lines have a limited capacity. Keep your calls as short as possible.
- If you are having trouble making contact with regular service, try one of the following options:
- Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171)
- Disaster Emergency Broadband Message Board (web171)
- Mobile phone disaster message services (NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, emobile, Willcom)
- Mobile phone e-mail
- It is easier to make calls from disaster-stricken areas using pay phones.
- It is useful to decide with your friends and family how you will confirm each otherʼs safety in the event of a disaster.
- It is difficult to establish a connection to disaster-stricken areas immediately after a disaster due to the large number of calls being made. To ensure that emergency calls within the affected area can be made smoothly, avoid making non-urgent calls and using the redial function and try calling back later.
Disaster Emergency Message Dial［171］
To leave a message about yourself
Dial “171”. Press “1”. Enter your phone number. Record your message
❶ Dial “171”
❷ Listen to the prompts and press “1” (No PIN)
❸ Enter your phone number
❹ Record a message of 30 seconds or less
*With PIN: Dial 171, press “3”, enter 4-digit PIN, enter your phone number, record your message
To play another personʼs message
Dial “171”. Press “2”. Enter other personʼs phone number. Play message
❶ Dial “171”
❷ Listen to the prompts and press “2” (No PIN)
❸ Enter the other personʼs phone number
❹ Play the message
*With PIN: Dial 171, press “4”, enter 4-digit PIN, enter other personʼs phone number, play message
Source: User guides for each disaster message service
Disaster Emergency Message Service Trials
●1st and 15th of every month ●Disaster Prevention Week (8/30 - 9/5) ●Disaster Prevention Volunteers Week (1/15 - 1/21) ●First three days of New Year (1/1 - 1/3)
*Trials may not be available if an actual disaster occurs. (Sponsor: Telecommunications Carriers Association)
Rules for living in a shelter
In a shelter, everyone suffers some uncertainties and inconveniences. Remember these rules for communal living and act with empathy.
- Do not use fire, smoke, drink or wear shoes inside the shelter.
- Cooperate with each other to make life in the shelter easier.
- If you fall ill, contact the shelter headquarters (office).
- Cooperate as much as possible with recovery efforts around the shelter.
- Follow the shelterʼs instructions for distributing relief supplies, disposing garbage and using the toilet.
＜Toilet use when water supply is cut off＞
The use of flush toilets is prohibited until a water supply system is established. The following is an example of a water supply system that can be used to flush toilets.
- If the shelter has an emergency well, use that water for flushing toilets.
- If you are able to use water from a swimming pool, etc., use that water for flushing toilets.
- If an abundant amount of water is supplied by government water trucks, etc., and there is more than enough for drinking water, it may be used to extinguish the fire.
- If near a river or lake, collect water and take it to the site.
In times of disaster, it is important to remember to try to work together to support those with disabilities, illness or injury when requested, and to safely evacuate while offering as much support as possible in situations where you notice trouble.
Remember that it is important to work with those around you during a disaster. For example, if you are in a classroom, work together with students and the teacher, share information, provide guidance, and offer support.
Additionally, for those who need additional support, it is important to try to raise awareness of disaster countermeasures by regularly asking those around for assistance, etc.
Examples of support you can offer are provided below. If providing support, it is important to ask the person in need of assistance what they require while you provide support.
Examples of support you can offer
Persons with vision impairments
Verbally explain the current conditions of the area and any visual information displayed on disaster boards, etc. (Verbal guidance)
Confirm the evacuation route, and evacuate while assisting the person. (Physical guidance)
Persons with hearing impairments
Use gestures or writing to visually explain auditory information such as loudspeaker announcements and evacuation instructions.
Persons with physical impairments
It may be difficult to provide support to persons in wheelchairs or who use walking canes. If you feel that providing support would be too difficult to do alone, ask for assistance from those around you.
Get information from the university
Manual Download (PDF)Emergency information from the university
If there is extensive damage from an earthquake or flood, take the following actions:
If you are on campus when disaster strikes
Follow the instructions of the university faculty and staff.
If you are off campus or overseas when disaster strikes
Check the Campus Terminal for information.
https://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/
Ritsumeikan University offers scholarships and other kinds of financial assistance to students affected by disasters. You may be eligible for reduced tuition or delayed payments, so consult with the Student Office.
*Please respond to the university when you are contacted to confirm your security.
Class Operation when Public Transportation is Suspended Owing to Typhoons or Other Events, or in the event that a Storm Warning or Other Emergency Warning is Issued
Conduct of classes in the event of a storm warning or emergency weather warning or in the event of public transport disruptions due to inclement weather
Please be sure to check the most up-to-date information on CAMPUS WEB.
The following is excerpted from the Ritsumeikan University Regulations on Curricular Classes.
Article 4. In the event that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued or in the event that public transport is disrupted due to inclement weather, classes shall be conducted as set forth in Annexure 1.
2. In the event that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued during Final examinations or Make-up examinations, examinations shall be conducted as prescribed the preceding paragraph.
1 Kinugasa Campus and Suzaku Campus
- Classes will be cancelled:
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- A storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued for Kyoto City or the Kyoto-Kameoka district. If the storm warning or emergency weather warning is still in place at 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- The operation status of public transportation falls under any of the following.
- Suspension of all Kyoto City Bus services. If services have not resumed as of 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- Suspension of public transport services by at least three of the following operators, even if Kyoto City Bus services are still operating: JR West Japan (between Osaka and Kusatsu), Hankyu, Keihan, and Kintetsu. If two or more of these four operators have not resumed services as of 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- If classes have already started in the event of either of the previous two paragraphs, classes will be cancelled from the next class period.
- Resumption of classes
-
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
- The storm warning or emergency weather warning is cancelled
- Kyoto City Bus services are operating or resume their services, and at least two out of the four public railroad transportation services (JR West between Osaka and Kusatsu, Hankyu between Umeda and Kawaramachi, Keihan, and Kintetsu) operating throughout Kyoto City also resume.
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 3rd period
- By 12:00
- 4th period
- By 15:00
- 6th period
- Classes that are held over two or more successive class periods shall not be commenced from the second or subsequent successive period.
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
Guidelines for Distance Learning Classes of Graduate Schools
In the event of disruption to public transport services, or that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued, distance learning classes shall be conducted as below:
- If classes are cancealled at the campus wherefrom the distance learning class is broadcasted (where the professor is located) due to typhoon or other emergency events, the distance learning class will be cancelled on all campuses.
- If classes are cancelled at a campus where a distance learning class is taken (where students are watching a broadcast of the class) due to typhoon or other emergency events, only the class held on this campus will be cancelled and the transmission of the broadcast to this campus will be suspended. The class on other campuses will be held as usual.
2 Biwako-Kusatsu Campus
- Classes will be cancelled:
-
- A storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued for the Kusatsu City or the South Ohmi district. If the storm warning or emergency weather warning is still in place at 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- JR West services between Kyoto and Maibara are suspended. If services have not resumed by 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- If classes have already started in the event of either of the previous two paragraphs, classes will be cancelled from the next class period.
- Resumption of classes
-
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
- The storm warning or emergency weather warning is cancelled
- The public transportation services prescribed in paragraph 2 above, in which classes will be cancelled, resume.
College of Economics, College of Sport and Health Science, College of Gastronomy Management, Graduate School of Economics, Graduate School of Language Education and Information Science, Graduate School of Sport and Health Science
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 3rd period
- By 12:00
- 4th period
- By 15:00
- 6th period
College of Science and Engineering, College of Information Science and Engineering, College of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmacy
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 5th period
- By 12:00
- 7th period
- By 15:00
- 11th period
- Classes that are held over two or more successive class periods shall not be commenced from the second or subsequent successive period.
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
Guidelines for Distance Learning Classes of Graduate Schools
In the event of disruption to public transport services, or that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued, distance learning classes shall be conducted as below:
- If classes are cancealled at the campus wherefrom the distance learning class is broadcasted (where the professor is located) due to typhoon or other emergency events, the distance learning class will be cancelled on all campuses.
- If classes are cancelled at a campus where a distance learning class is taken (where students are watching a broadcast of the class) due to typhoon or other emergency events, only the class held on this campus will be cancelled and the transmission of the broadcast to this campus will be suspended. The class on other campuses will be held as usual.
3 Osaka Ibaraki Campus
- Classes will be cancelled:
-
- A storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued for the Ibaraki City or North Osaka district. If the storm warning or emergency weather warning is still in place at 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- If both the JR West train service between Osaka and Kusatsu, and Hankyu train service between Umeda and Kawaramachi are suspended.
- If classes have already started in the event of either of the previous two paragraphs, classes will be cancelled from the next class period.
- Resumption of classes
-
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
- The storm warning or emergency weather warning is cancelled
- The public transportation services prescribed in paragraph 2 above, in which classes will be cancelled, resume.
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 3rd period
- By 12:00
- 4th period
- By 15:00
- 6th period
- Classes that are held over two or more successive class periods shall not be commenced from the second or subsequent successive period.
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
Guidelines for Distance Learning Classes of Graduate Schools
In the event of disruption to public transport services, or that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued, distance learning classes shall be conducted as below:
- If classes are cancealled at the campus wherefrom the distance learning class is broadcasted (where the professor is located) due to typhoon or other emergency events, the distance learning class will be cancelled on all campuses.
- If classes are cancelled at a campus where a distance learning class is taken (where students are watching a broadcast of the class) due to typhoon or other emergency events, only the class held on this campus will be cancelled and the transmission of the broadcast to this campus will be suspended. The class on other campuses will be held as usual.
4 Osaka Umeda Campus
- Classes will be cancelled:
-
- A storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued for Osaka City. If the storm warning or emergency weather warning is still in place at 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- The operation status of public transportation falls under any of the following. If services have not resumed by 15:00, all classes on that day shall be cancelled.
- All Osaka City Bus and Osaka Metro services are suspended.
- At least four out of the six public railroad transportation services (JR West, Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu, Hanshin, and Nankai) operating throughout Osaka City are suspended
- If classes have already started in the event of either of the previous two paragraphs, classes will be cancelled from the next class period.
- Resumption of classes
-
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
- The storm warning or emergency weather warning is cancelled
- The public transportation services prescribed in paragraph 2 above, in which classes will be cancelled, resume.
Graduate School of Economics, Graduate School of Business Administration, Graduate School of Technology Management, Graduate School of Language Education and Information Science, Graduate School of Management
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 3rd period
- By 12:00
- 4th period
- By 15:00
- 6th period
Graduate School of Science and Engineering
- Time
- Class Period
- By 6:30
- 1st period
- By 10:00
- 5th period
- By 12:00
- 7th period
- By 15:00
- 11th period
- Classes that are held over two or more successive class periods shall not be commenced from the second or subsequent successive period.
- In the following cases, classes shall resume according to the table below.
Guidelines for Distance Learning Classes of Graduate Schools
In the event of disruption to public transport services, or that a storm warning or emergency weather warning is issued, distance learning classes shall be conducted as below:
- If classes are cancealled at the campus wherefrom the distance learning class is broadcasted (where the professor is located) due to typhoon or other emergency events, the distance learning class will be cancelled on all campuses.
- If classes are cancelled at a campus where a distance learning class is taken (where students are watching a broadcast of the class) due to typhoon or other emergency events, only the class held on this campus will be cancelled and the transmission of the broadcast to this campus will be suspended. The class on other campuses will be held as usual.
Contact from the University
Information on class cancellations, makeup classes, classroom changes, final or report examinations as well as the schedule for information sessions will be provided and contact with students will be made through CAMPUS WEB (https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/infostudents/). Students are required to check the information frequently.
Telephone inquiries are not accepted. Do not make telephone inquiries except in cases of emergency.
Preparedness in daily life
Manual Download (PDF)Preparedness in daily life
- Make shelves and dressers fall-proof and brace your light fixtures.
- Confirm evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- Do not place anything near your doors that may hinder evacuation.
- Decide contact methods and evacuation shelters with your family and friends.
- Actively participate in disaster prevention drills.
- Store your valuables in a safe place.
- Prepare an emergency kit.
- Check the strength of your house.
- Confirm the regional disaster information.
*Download this guidebook and carry it with you.
Things you should do in Ritsumeikan University
- Confirm evacuation routes (including the closest emergency exit / staircase).
- Confirm the location of the nearest fire extinguisher and understand how to use it.
- Confirm the locations of temporary and designated shelters.
- Confirm the route you would use to walk home.
- Decide on contact methods with your family.
- Get the emergency contact information of those in your class, seminar, and laboratory.
- Ensure safety and secure chemicals and laboratory equipment to prevent them from falling over. Measures should be taken to prevent chemicals from coming into contact with other chemicals that may cause a chemical reaction.
Prepare an emergency kit
Create a compact kit of the basic necessities you need to stay alive and check it once a year. It is important to keep it somewhere handy in case you need to leave quickly.
Priority items
Immediate necessities. The kit should weigh about 15kg for men and 10kg for women.
- Valuables
- Name seals, bank books, health insurance cards, cash (incl. 10 yen coins)
- Emergency food
- Canned bread, chocolate, mineral water
- Emergency medicine
- Household drugs, adhesive bandages, cotton gauze, ointment, eye drops, feminine care products
- Clothing
- Undergarments, clothes, shoes etc.
- Portable radio
- Also include extra batteries
- Light
- Candles, matches, lighters
Secondary items
Daily goods for long-term evacuation.
- Food
- Rice (retort / pre-cooked), main dishes (canned / retort) , seasoning, candy etc.
- Water
- 3L per person per day (for drinking)
- Portable stove
- With gas cartridges
- Others
- Whistles, etc.
Preparing for difficulty when returning home
Prepare a map with walking directions for getting to your home and for getting school.
*Select a route that uses only main roads.
Mark any hazardous areas along the route in red
Bridges, overpasses, railways, elevated freeways, oil or gas tanks, chemical facilities, industrial complexes, etc.
Mark any safe zones along the route in green
Ward Office, City Hall, town/village offices and their branch locations, fire station, police station, police box, health center, hospital, school, post-office, department store, supermarket, covenience store, family restaurant, public telephone, public toilet, park, ballpark, sports arena, train station, gas station
Things to remeber Relevant Information
Sunrise and Sunset times
In bad weather conditions, it gets dark one hour earlier than normal.
- 〈Kyoto〉
- Sunup Sundown
- 3/21
- 06:01 18:08
- 6/21
- 04:43 19:14
- 9/23
- 05:45 17:53
- 12/22
- 07:01 16:49
Ephemeris Computation Office, Public Relations Center, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
http://eco.mtk.nao.ac.jp/koyomi/
Methods for acquiring disaster information
Earthquake Information
http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/quake/
Typhoon Information
http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/typh/
Be sure to check your mobile phone if you receive an early warning message known as “Area Mail”.