Myanmar Earthquake Response Team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the National Personnel Authority (NPA) President’s Award
2026/2/17
On February 10, the Myanmar Earthquake Response Team (Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the National Personnel Authority (NPA) President’s Award.
The NPA President’s Award honors civil servants (individuals or teams) who have achieved outstanding results in improving government services and the lives of citizens and met the expectations of the people. This includes initiatives such as creating new value, responding promptly to emerging challenges, and ensuring the sustainable management of public operations, reflecting their commitment as dedicated public servants of the nation.
(Reference 2) Emergency Response Team (ERT)
The Overseas Emergency Deployment Team (ERT) is dispatched to respond to emergencies such as terrorist attacks, major accidents, or natural disasters that affect or may put Japanese citizens at risk. The team establishes an initial response at the local diplomatic missions or consulates to provides support and assistance to Japanese nationals promptly. The ERT was initially introduced in response to the act of terrorism against Japanese nationals in Algeria in January 2013. In response to the earthquake in Myanmar, three officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched.
(Reference 3) Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team
The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team is dispatched at the request of the government of a disaster‑affected country under the Act on Dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team. The team provides emergency medical care to disaster victims. In response to the earthquake in Myanmar, a total of 65 medical personnels, including doctors, nurses, and 2 officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were deployed to provide medical support and assistance in the disaster-affected areas.
- The Myanmar Earthquake Response Team was sent to the disaster-affected areas after the earthquake on March 28, 2025 in Myanmar. The team collaborated with the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar in order to protect Japanese nationals and assist those affected by the disaster. Since the coup d’état in 2021, airstrikes and other forms of warfare have continued in Myanmar. Under incredibly difficult circumstances—daily temperatures exceeding 40°C, poor sanitation, and continuous aftershocks—the team completed their mission. Both Japanese nationals and local communities in the disaster-affected areas greatly valued the Myanmar Earthquake Response Team’s concerted efforts and commitment. Furthermore, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specializing in Burmese language contributed greatly to smooth communication with local residents, accurate information gathering, and effective public outreach.
- The NPA President's Award for the Myanmar Earthquake Response Team recognizes the contributions of its members and cooperation provided to the team by various parties, including the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply honored by this recognition.
- Safeguarding the lives and well-being of Japanese nationals who are living or traveling overseas, as well as advancing their interests, is one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' most important tasks. In addition, providing prompt and effective support in reaction to large-scale natural disasters and other emergencies abroad is a vital diplomatic activity that helps foster international cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to fortify its capabilities as a professional body of diplomats and consular officials, fulfill its obligations as a member of the international community, protect Japan's security and prosperity, and protect the lives and property of its citizens in the face of profound changes in the international order and its most challenging and complex security environment since the postwar era.
The NPA President’s Award honors civil servants (individuals or teams) who have achieved outstanding results in improving government services and the lives of citizens and met the expectations of the people. This includes initiatives such as creating new value, responding promptly to emerging challenges, and ensuring the sustainable management of public operations, reflecting their commitment as dedicated public servants of the nation.
(Reference 2) Emergency Response Team (ERT)
The Overseas Emergency Deployment Team (ERT) is dispatched to respond to emergencies such as terrorist attacks, major accidents, or natural disasters that affect or may put Japanese citizens at risk. The team establishes an initial response at the local diplomatic missions or consulates to provides support and assistance to Japanese nationals promptly. The ERT was initially introduced in response to the act of terrorism against Japanese nationals in Algeria in January 2013. In response to the earthquake in Myanmar, three officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched.
(Reference 3) Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team
The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team is dispatched at the request of the government of a disaster‑affected country under the Act on Dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team. The team provides emergency medical care to disaster victims. In response to the earthquake in Myanmar, a total of 65 medical personnels, including doctors, nurses, and 2 officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were deployed to provide medical support and assistance in the disaster-affected areas.