Komeito-inspired disaster agency law enacted

July 14 , 2026

On July 13, the House of Councillors, in a plenary session, passed into law the creation of a new government entity to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Named the Disaster Management Agency (DMA) and slated to become effective from November 2026, it will be led by the prime minister and administered by a director, tasked with everything from drawing up preparedness plans to disaster responses to reconstruction activities.

Komeito was a major driver for the DMA, submitting in June 2025 an initiative calling for just such a government body. Its purpose would be to centralize and galvanize the resiliency effort, minimize casualties—including post-disaster fatalities—as well as facilitate rescue and rebuilding operations in the face of the increasing severity and frequency of natural calamities.

The DMA will be replacing a smaller unit that currently operates under the Cabinet Office, with its staff significantly increased from 220 to 352.

• Tweet

• Miyazaki: Cash payout a priority to offset rising prices
• Komeito reaffirms commitment to worldwide demining effort