NTN Starts Initiative to Protect Lives of People and Pets during Disasters Using ¡°N3 N-CUBE,¡± Which Generates Electricity from Renewable Energy
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/ueditor/php/upload/image/20260131/1769822048406176.png" title="1769822048406176.png" alt="1.png"/></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) starts an initiative to protect lives of people and their pets during disasters by utilizing the Transportable Independent Power Supply ¡°N3 N-CUBE,¡± which NTN developed, in collaboration with Faculty of Veterinary Science at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University (Musashino City, Tokyo), and Michi-no-Eki ¡°Itano¡± (a roadside station in Itano Town, Tokushima Prefecture). ¡°N3 N-CUBE¡± can generate electricity by utilizing renewable energy such as solar power.
Challenges in ensuring the safety regarding pets during disasters
When a disaster occurs, challenges include accepting pets in evacuation centers and accommodating people who are uncomfortable with animals or have allergies. In previous disasters, some evacuees stayed in their homes or vehicles because pets were not allowed in evacuation centers, resulting in fatalities due to house collapse or economy-class syndrome.
Ensuring pet safety during disasters is a critical issue directly linked to human lives, and securing treatment facilities for injured pets and rescue dogs is also a challenge.
Collaborative initiative with Faculty of Veterinary Science at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University and Michi-no-Eki ¡°Itano¡±
NTN is partnering with Faculty of Veterinary Science at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University to build pet shelter containers and veterinary care spaces utilizing the ¡°N3 N-CUBE.¡± This initiative aims to help ensure the safety of pets and their owners in times of disasters. The shelters will feature lighting and electrical systems powered by solar power, and interiors will be customized to meet specific needs.
Upon completion, demonstration tests under simulated disaster scenarios will be conducted at Michi-no-Eki ¡°Itano¡± based on Ministry of the Environment's ¡°Disaster Preparedness Guideline for Humans and Pets*1.¡± The facility is designated as a ¡°disaster prevention roadside station¡± by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and actively conducts disaster drills with local residents. Previously, demonstration tests*2 of the ¡°N3 N-CUBE¡± were also conducted in line with the ¡°Guidelines for Utilizing High-Value-Added Containers at Roadside Stations*3.¡±
Through these initiatives, NTN will continue to propose disaster prevention and mitigation solutions to protect the lives of people and pets during disasters.
Ministry of the Environment website:
Are You and Your Pets Safe in Case of Disaster? Disaster Preparedness Guideline for Humans and Pets <For General Pet Owners>
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/pamph/h3010a.html
Ministry of the Environment website:
Disaster Preparedness Guideline for Humans and Pets (only in Japanese)
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/pamph/h3002.html
Press release on October 9, 2024:
NTN Has Held Demonstration Test for Transportable Independent Power Supply ¡°N3 N-CUBE¡± in the Event of Disasters
https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/press/news202400082.html
Ministry of the Environment website:
¡°Strengthening the Functions of Roadside Stations through Container Utilization ¡ª Formulation of Guidelines for High Value-Added Container Use at Roadside Stations ¡ª¡±(only in Japanese)
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/road01_hh_001798.html
During disasters, numerous life-critical challenges arise, including securing electricity, water, communications infrastructure, sanitation facilities, and ensuring the safety of pets and their owners. NTN is tackling these issues by enhancing the functionality and expanding the applications of the ¡°N3 N-CUBE,¡± while strengthening collaboration with external organizations. Through these efforts, NTN aims to help build a disaster-resilient society and contribute to safe and secure lives for people and pets.
About the Transportable Independent Power Supply ¡°N3 N-CUBE ¡±
The ¡°N3 N-CUBE¡± features high mobility, with a compact wind turbine, solar panels, and storage batteries in a container that can be transported by truck. The container interior can be customized for various uses, such as eco-friendly toilets, bus waiting areas, or rest areas during normal times. In the event of a power outage caused by a disaster, it can be quickly deployed to affected areas for immediate power supply.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Presentation on this initiative by NTN at the ¡°Disaster Preparedness Meeting (referred to as ¡°Bosai Chikkaigi¡±) in Tokushima¡± held by the Disaster Response Digital Intelligence Team Coordination Center (DIT/CC) in Tokushima City on November 21, 2025
(from right)
Ms. Aki Tanaka, Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University;
Mr. Mitsuhiro Ogawa, Stationmaster of Michi-no-Eki ¡°Itano¡±;
Mr. Hideki Umemoto, General Manager, Green Energy Products Unit, Innovation & Business Development HQ., NTN</span></p>
30 Jan,2026