Fifteen Years since the Tokyo Subway Attack and Development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive Terrorist Countermeasures in Japan

Abstract

Introduction:

Although 15 years have passed since the Tokyo subway attack, it was the preparations for the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 summit (2000) five years thereafter that catalyzed the development of countermeasures and policy against chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) threats in Japan.

Report: No substantial progress was made for five years after the subway attack. Preparedness for the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit included promulgation of the Civil Protection Law (2004), which codified the responses to CBRNE terrorist attacks, and consequendy, the effectiveness with which the countermeasures against CBRNE terrorism acts could be deployed at a national level. Countermeasures included the establishment of a CBRNE task force, syndromie surveillance programs, and the stockpiling of antidotes, antitoxins, and antibiotics. Decontamination facilities were introduced throughout Japan.

Conclusions:

Preparedness for the summit facilitated recognition of the need for medical countermeasures against CBRNE threats to protect healthcare providers in Japan. In the 15 years since the Tokyo Subway Attack, the measures implemented in the last five years have been most effective. However, future challenges include the promotion of civilian awareness, inter-agency collaboration, and increasing the mutual-aid capacity of local communities.