Natural disasters can strike at any moment, leaving millions of lives at stake. In Japan, a small private firm called Gehirn has been making a big impact in alerting the public about these calamities. With just 13 full-time staff, Gehirn’s NERV service has managed to outperform official bodies and even the country’s public broadcaster in issuing timely warnings about earthquakes.
NERV, which stands for “special service agency NERV,” operates through X (formerly Twitter), and boasts 2.2 million Japanese-language followers and 35,000 English users. In addition, their app, launched in September 2019, has been downloaded more than four million times from both the Apple Store and Google Play. It’s safe to say that Gehirn has become a trusted source of disaster information in Japan.
The creation of NERV can be traced back to 2010 when Daiki Ishimori, then 19 years old, started an account as a programming hobby to post automated tweets about weather alerts using data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. At that time, the account had a mere 300 followers. However, everything changed in 2011 when Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. With his family in danger, Ishimori realized the need for alternative communication channels during disasters.
NERV rapidly gained popularity as more natural disasters struck the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of new followers. However, recent changes to X’s application programming interface (API) have posed challenges for Gehirn. X began charging users to access their API, which limited NERV to only 1,500 free automated posts per month. To exceed this limit, Gehirn had to subscribe to a basic plan for $100 a month. Understanding the risks of relying on external platforms, Gehirn decided to focus on developing its own platform to ensure uninterrupted service.
Despite the financial challenges, Gehirn remains committed to its mission of “making Japan safer.” Ishimori emphasizes that his goal is not to earn profits but to improve accessibility to disaster information. The NERV app has been developed with inclusivity in mind, catering to individuals with disabilities. To sustain its operations, Gehirn launched the “supporters’ club,” a paid membership scheme, to cover their annual costs of around 120 million yen.
Gehirn acknowledges that there will always be a need for their services, as Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The company aims to continuously enhance their platform and expand their information sources by securing more funding. Ishimori’s driving force is the guilt he feels from not being able to help his aunt during the 2011 disaster. He remains determined to solve the accessibility issues surrounding disaster information before the next major calamity strikes.
Gehirn’s dedication to saving lives and staying ahead in disaster alert systems highlights the significance of technological advancements and the role they play in society. The reliance on social media platforms like X necessitates adaptability to their changing policies and limitations, prompting Gehirn to create their own platform. By doing so, they ensure uninterrupted access to crucial disaster information for millions of people.
As technology continues to evolve, companies like Gehirn serve as a reminder of the power of innovation and how it can be harnessed to create a safer environment for communities. Their experience with X’s API changes teaches us the importance of diversifying platforms and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with relying solely on external systems.
In conclusion, Gehirn’s NERV service has become a beacon of hope and a vital source of information for millions of Japanese citizens. By leveraging technology and their expertise, Gehirn continues to make significant contributions towards disaster preparedness and public safety. As Japan braces itself for future natural disasters, Gehirn’s commitment and dedication to their mission will undoubtedly play a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of these calamities.
