Read on for our report on "Toyosu Disaster Preparedness Festiv@l 2024," held March 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday) 2024!
This event was a joint effort with "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" 33,000 attendees had a great time taking a short AED training course by former nurse and idol Rie Suegara, buying original disaster preparedness items, and more.
THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE! x Toyosu Disaster Preparedness Festiv@l 2024 Report
On March March 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday) 2024, Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. creation (intellectual property including characters, etc.) "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" held a collaborative event drawing about 33,000 attendees: the Toyosu Disaster Preparedness Festiv@l 2024, sponsored by a group aiming to improve local disaster prevention in Koto Ward.
Bandai Namco Entertainment leverages its entertainment properties to promote sustainability. Recently, to earn love from fans across many regions, and to continue to be a company that is necessary to society, the Bandai Namco Group has set a goal to "co-exist with the community." As part of this, they collaborated with Tokyo's Koto Ward bay area to hold Toyosu Disaster Preparedness Festiv@l 2024.
Many "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" fans participated: about 33,000 people over both days of the event. The program, stage, and more were perfect for an entertainment property collaboration; the event space decorated in the aesthetic of "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" attracted young people who may not usually have a chance to participate in a disaster prevention event.
At the event
Toyosu Park, where the event was held, was decorated in the colors of "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" The attendees were not just locals: there were also many "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" "producers" (the nickname for fans of "THE IDOLM@STER" series). The producers enjoyed idol-related activities, such as snapping the banners and flags for the 52 idols, while also learning about disaster prevention.
We spoke with producers who told us that their favorite idols drove them to come and participate, and the collaborative event raised their awareness about disaster preparedness. We also heard from producers participating for the second time, who felt that regularly refreshing their knowledge on disaster preparedness was important.
▲Idol flags at the entrance to Toyosu Park
▲"Chupacabra" decorated portable toilet
▲Banner signed by the idols
Short AED training course by former nurse and idol Rie Suegara
On the main stage, "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" idol and former nurse Rie Suegara appeared on a large screen alongside a doctor to teach a short course for fans on how to use an AED.
Not only did attendees get hands-on experience with an AED, they also got to practice chest compressions to the rhythm of music from "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" Over both days, about 1,000 people participated.
"THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" collab design original items on sale
At the event, attendees could purchase original disaster prevention items featuring "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" designs: a safety helmet and postcard set; canned bread; a tote bag with a cushion; a simple bedding set; an emergency light; a PUSH Training Set (lifesaving practice set), and more.
▲Safety helmet and postcard set: 5,000 yen (tax included)
▲Canned bread set of 3: 4,500 yen (tax included)
▲Tote bag with cushion: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Digital stamp rally to win emergency food and original items
Attendees could complete a digital stamp rally by visiting five checkpoints around Toyosu Park. Those who made it to all the checkpoints and got the stamps, learning about disaster preparedness along the way, earned free "quick-cooking rice" that can be eaten just by adding hot or cold water.
Plus, those who entered the premium producer-oriented course were gifted a deluxe card and a participation prize consisting of an idol postcard and acrylic carabiner.
Staff Comments
"THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" License Staff Shiori Tanaka
Ms. Tanaka spoke about "THE IDOLM@STER" series "PROJECT IM@S 3.0 VISION" - an effort to broaden idol activities, including contributing to society. As "MILLION LIVE!" is set in the Toyosu area, she hoped this event helped producers feel like they were experiencing hands-on producer work. She also hopes that this event created an opportunity for people to learn about disaster preparedness.
Sponsor Committee Member Yosuke Honma
Mr. Honma spoke about how in the past it was difficult to get people to attend local disaster preparedness events, and how he wanted to help people feel closer to the topic. After learning that "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!" was set in Toyosu, he was very happy to welcome the collaboration. With many people attending last year and now this year too, he feels like he got to experience both the power of the franchise, as well as get excited about disaster preparedness with everyone in Toyosu.
Bandai Namco Group Sustainability Efforts
The Bandai Namco group has identified sustainability as a key issue behind operations, and has formulated a policy based on the group's core philosophy: to leverage entertainment properties to promote sustainability alongside fans in ways that respond to the social issues that the Bandai Namco group must confront.
"THE IDOLM@STER" Series Sustainability Efforts
"THE IDOLM@STER" series is involved in sustainability efforts with fans to "connect" and "build together."
▲"THE IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS" x Ministry of the Environment
▲"THE IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS" x Old Clothes Recycling Idol Panels
(C)一般社団法人江東区の地域防災力向上を目指す会
(C)Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.