Building Connections and Future Preparedness Through the PBV–JDI Partnership
Disclaimer: This is an English translated summary of the article originally posted in Japanese. Should you wish to read the original article, visit the PBV Japanese website: https://pbv.or.jp/blog/?p=38067
The collaboration between PBV and Deloitte Tohmatsu Group’s “Just Do It!! Regional Initiative” (JDI) extends beyond physical labor. Through the operation of community gathering spaces, which is one of PBV’s community support activities, and meticulous flyer distribution efforts to inform residents about these gatherings, JDI members have also deeply empathized with people’s emotions.
Initially, they admitted to moments of hesitation, wondering “how to approach people.” However, as they spent time together, laughing and playing games at the gathering spaces, they quickly became acquainted. Being “third parties,” neither family nor government officials, allowed residents to express their true feelings. By talking with JDI members, residents not only felt brighter but also seemed to organize their thoughts by putting their situations into words.
In disaster-stricken areas where situations change rapidly, it is not uncommon for well-prepared support plans to be abruptly altered just three days before volunteer activities. However, JDI members consistently prioritized “what is truly needed on the ground right now” in such unforeseen circumstances and responded flexibly. Furthermore, safety management is PBV’s utmost concern when accepting disaster volunteers. In a field constantly exposed to the risks of injury and accidents, JDI members’ precision in their work and their meticulous attention to detail were outstanding. This is why PBV staff could wholeheartedly trust them and confidently entrust them with operations on the ground.
In March 2026, Ms. Karashima, PBV’s Wajima field manager, spoke at the “Wajima City Disaster Volunteer Activity Report Session” hosted by the Deloitte Tohmatsu Group. During the report session, we heard real voices from participating members: “Even though I’m physically exhausted, on the flight home, I always think, ‘I want to participate again.’ Inverse proportion to my physical fatigue, my sense of fulfillment is 100%.” “It’s a joy to have honest discussions with members outside my usual work, and to be able to dedicate myself to these activities with the full backing of the company.” We deeply felt that a wonderful cycle is emerging where individuals’ well-being is enhanced through support that began with the desire to help disaster-stricken areas.
The collaboration between JDI and PBV is not only limited to recovery and reconstruction support in disaster-stricken areas but is also expanding its reach into the realm of “disaster preparedness for future disasters.” On May 10, 2026, they co-exhibited at a disaster preparedness event held at Rikkyo University. They fully supported the workshop prepared by PBV, with over 300 visitors, including families who came on the last day of Golden Week.
JDI members have consistently and robustly supported the field, earnestly addressing the question of “what support is truly necessary for the residents” in rapidly changing disaster-stricken areas. Their gaze is already set on the next stage. The Disaster Volunteer Team Leader reflected as follows: “Through over a year of activity with PBV, I realized that local situations and needs change over time, and while immediate post-disaster support is certainly important, there is still so much more we can do for the subsequent recovery.” “We want to leverage the specialized knowledge and technological skills honed in our business to address the challenges of ‘disaster relief coordination,’ which still has many analog aspects.” Going forward, we aim to establish a system that allows us to rapidly collaborate from the initial stages of a disaster and deliver optimal support to affected areas, also by incorporating the power of technology.
To the members of the Deloitte Tohmatsu Group “Just Do It!! Community Initiative,” we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your outstanding support thus far. We look forward to continuing our collaboration!
