Japan has recently experienced an increasing number of severe natural disasters such as floods, landslides from heavy rains, and tsunamis caused by earthquakes. In affected areas, NPOs and volunteers play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives. This highlights the urgent need for collaboration between grassroots organizations and central/local government agencies such as Self-Defense Forces, police, and fire departments. To learn about pioneering initiatives in disaster response, the Tokyo Foundation, along with its sister organizations, the Nippon Foundation and the Nippon Foundation Volunteer Center (Hereafter “the delegation”), visited Germany from late July to August 2025.

The delegation at the THW Federal Headquarters.

THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief) Federal Headquarters

The delegation first visited the federal headquarters of THW (Technisches Hilfswerk; Federal Agency for Technical Relief). Established in 1950 under the Ministry of Interior, THW operates with a federal headquarters in Bonn, 8 state headquarters, 66 district branches, and 668 local branches. Significantly, all personnel in the local branches, which are the operational units, are trained citizen volunteers.

In Germany, major natural disasters include floods, storms, heavy rains, and landslides. Article 35 of the German Basic Law (equivalent to Japan's Constitution) dictates that in the event of each disaster, the state (police, fire departments, etc.) responsible for the affected area responds first, and the federal government provides support upon request from the state. As a federal organization, THW can immediately mobilize personnel across state borders when requested by a state or other entity.

Lecture at the THW Federal Headquarters, Bonn

THW boasts 88,000 registered volunteers nationwide, divided into six age groups, each with roles tailored to their age. Participating in activities helps foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Volunteers are required to undergo 120 hours of basic training, and only those who pass the final exam become active members of the operational units. Subsequent specialized training includes operating heavy machinery in rough terrain, water supply/drainage using pumps, water purification, bridge construction, and electrical system maintenance, ensuring their skills are continuously honed.

Furthermore, some volunteers who have completed basic and specialized training also contribute to international disaster relief efforts in cooperation with the UN, EU, and other organizations. Mr. Klaus Buchmüller, Head of international affairs at THW, provided explanations on the comprehensive training programs and past case studies.

Klaus Buchmüller, Head of International Affairs, THW, explaining the organizational structure. 

BBK (Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance)

Established in 2004 as a federal organization under the Ministry of Interior, the BBK (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe; Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance) also plays a crucial role in disaster response. Its responsibilities include international coordination of disaster relief, national strategy development, promotion of critical infrastructure protection and crisis management measures, disaster preparedness, and fostering volunteer awareness.

BBK officials emphasized that trained volunteers are fundamental to civil protection activities in Germany. They noted that there are 1.1 million firefighters, 540,000 German Red Cross members, and 88,000 THW volunteer registrations, highlighting the effort put into improving technical capabilities while also facing the issue of a declining birthrate and aging population.

BBK official explaining civil protection in Germany.

Rheinland-Pfalz Fire and Disaster Protection Academy

At the Rheinland-Pfalz Fire and Disaster Protection Academy, President Thomas Kreuz provided the overview of the fire department’s organizational structure as the primary responder in disasters, as well as its training programs and facilities. In 2021, a large-scale flood occurred in the Ahr valley in the state, claiming over 130 lives. Reflecting on that response and the lessons learned, they are currently strengthening their disaster response system and planning to add 230 personnel by 2030.

Lecture at the Rheinland-Pfalz Fire and Disaster Protection Academy.

Facility for rescue training. 

Remagen Fire Department

The delegation also visited the Remagen Fire Department in Rheinland-Pfalz. All firefighters are volunteers, operating on-site from the age of 16. Department staff explained their "8-minute rule," which aims for responders to arrive at the scene within 8 minutes of an emergency alarm.

Fire engine operating in Remagen.

Ladder truck at Remagen Fire Department.

Fire boat experience along the Rhine River. 

THW Siegburg Local Branch

The delegation then visited the Siegburg local branch, one of THW's 668 local branches. The initial response system during disasters was explained through the analogy of "sprinters" and "marathon runners" for the fire department and THW, respectively. While the fire department rushes to the scene immediately after a disaster, THW focuses on long-term recovery and reconstruction support in affected areas. Following the explanation, the delegation observed various training exercises.

Rescue training from a hole in the ground.

Explanation of the distance measurement system for safety.

Water supply and drainage training using pumps along the Rhine River.

The Delegation at THW Siegburg Local Branch.

THW Hoya Training Center

THW operates three training centers, one of which —the Hoya Training Center— was visited by the delegation. This center primarily provides technical training and leadership education for volunteers. Sabine Lützelschwab, Head of the Training Center, detailed their volunteer information management database and explained that training at Hoya lasts one to two weeks. She also mentioned that 200 types of training modules are annually revised as needed. The delegation then observed various outdoor training facilities.

Training facility for underground rescue training.

Training facility for rescuing people from manholes.

Old railway cars for rescue training, simulating a derailment accident.

THW's various large vehicles, including dump trucks.

The Delegation at THW Hoya Training Center.

＊＊＊

Throughout this visit, the delegation gained valuable insights into Germany’s nationwide system for training and deploying THW disaster volunteers, as well as the significant role of volunteer firefighters.  The realistic training, designed to anticipate actual situations, was particularly impressive. Beyond the robust personnel system, the extensive technical capabilities and training equipment, and the evident pride of the volunteers in their training left a strong impression.

Utilizing the various insights and human networks gained from this visit, the Tokyo Foundation, in collaboration with its sister organizations and various domestic and international entities and experts, will continue to address Japan's pressing issues, including its declining population.

Finally, the Tokyo Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who hosted us at the inspection sites and to the Nippon Foundation Volunteer Center for arranging this impactful visit.