Weathernews Inc. and the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University have entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement in the field of disaster prevention. This alliance aims to address meteorological disasters on a global scale and contribute to the realization of a resilient society.
Tohoku University possesses advanced academic expertise and an extensive international network in disaster mitigation, rooted in the very region where the United Nations’ “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” was adopted. This collaboration fuses Tohoku University’s academic assets with the world-class meteorological data, analytical technologies, and proprietary operational expertise in weather services held by Weathernews. Guided by a spirit of mutual benefit, both institutions will maximize and synergize their respective knowledge, technology, and human resources. By doing so, they seek to accelerate collaboration with disaster prevention agencies worldwide, thereby developing and implementing next-generation disaster mitigation solutions capable of addressing global meteorological crises.

Agreement Date

June 29, 2026

Core Areas of Cooperation

1.  Collection and Utilization of Disaster Data in the Global Disaster Prevention Domain
The partnership will systematically aggregate official disaster data from various nations and integrate it with crowd-sourced insights from Weathernews users, as well as real-time disaster information circulating within society via news media and social networking services. This initiative will reinforce the global infrastructure for rapid damage forecasting and information dissemination.

2. Research, Development, and Societal Implementation of Solutions Leveraging Advanced Technologies such as AI
To safeguard human lives, property, and economic stability, the institutions will employ state-of-the-art weather forecasting and simulation technologies powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This will enable the precise anticipation of disaster risks and facilitate the comprehensive cycle from R&D to the practical deployment of cutting-edge disaster prevention solutions.

3. Cultivation of Diverse, Next-Generation Talent Through Human Resource Exchange
Through mutual exchanges of researchers and engineers, the partnership aims to nurture a diverse cohort of next-generation innovators. These individuals will be equipped to lead disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, seamlessly bridging the perspectives of both academia and industry.

Executive Statements

Dr. Shunichi Koshimura, Director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University:
“The consolidation of disaster-related data constitutes the absolute cornerstone of advancing disaster prevention. To project the future, we must comprehensively comprehend the occurrences of the past. Capturing these historical events in meticulous detail and converting them into structured data represents an invaluable asset for humanity. Furthermore, high-quality, standardized, and longitudinal disaster data is indispensable for the effective utilization of AI. Through this joint research with Weathernews, we aspire to further revitalize the activities of the Global Centre for Disaster Statistics—an initiative conducted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—and make a meaningful contribution to global disaster resilience.

Mr. Daisuke Abe, Executive Officer of Weathernews Inc.:
“We are profoundly honored to establish this partnership with the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University, a world-renowned hub for disaster research dedicated to transmitting the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake to future generations. By synthesizing Tohoku University’s profound erudition and networks with our vanguard meteorological data and operational excellence in weather services, we are committed to implementing highly effective, pragmatic solutions that tangibly mitigate meteorological disaster risks both domestically and internationally.”

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