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Tokyo Fire Department Uses Animal Crossing To Share Safety Tips, Earns Netizens’ Praise 

Tokyo fire department Animal Crossing video


Japan has a knack for creating effective campaigns using creative channels. And since Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the internet by storm earlier this year, it seems only fitting to jump on the hype train. The Tokyo Fire Department has dived into the world of Animal Crossing to spread awareness on disaster prevention


Adorable safety instruction tips to spread awareness


Animal Crossing safety video - gif adapted from Tokyo Fire Department's earthquake safety video
Avatar of their official mascot, Atsuo, pushing his wardrobe to the corner of the room
Image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Due to COVID-19, annual disaster prevention training sessions were cancelled. 

In order to disseminate information on earthquake preparedness, the Tokyo Fire Department tweeted a video of their official mascot, Atsuo, demonstrating safety measures in Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing safety video - gif adapted from Tokyo Fire Department's earthquake safety video
A job well done after moving away potential safety hazards
Image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D

According to the tweet, 3050% of injuries sustained during earthquakes are caused by furniture that have fallen or toppled over. In the video, Atsuo does his part to keep himself safe as he pushes bulky furniture up against walls. 


Positive responses from netizens


Animal Crossing safety video - screenshot of netizens' replies to Tokyo Fire Department's tweet
Image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Responses from netizens have been overwhelmingly positive. Users like Kame442 have found the video “extremely easy to understand”, while netizen Yoritop agreed and noted that “it’s easy enough for even kids to understand”. 

Animal Crossing safety video - screenshot of netizens' replies to Tokyo Fire Department's tweet
Image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Other users like Youma_mibu praised the Tokyo Fire Department for their innovation, exclaiming that “I’m so mind blown by their flexible use of the game”. 

Animal Crossing safety video - screenshot of netizens' replies to Tokyo Fire Department's tweet
Image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D

User LGM_manaka119 commented that the use of Animal Crossing to spread awareness is commendable, even suggesting that they make videos about fire safety in the future.  


More gameplay inspired safety tips  


Animal Crossing safety video - Tokyo Fire Department uses Animal Crossing to spread awareness on heatstroke preventionTips to stay cool in summer 
Image credit: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Since the success of their first video, the department has posted more useful tips on how to prevent heat exhaustion amidst Japan’s unbearably hot summer. Noting that up to 40% of heatstroke cases occur at home, they recommend that people stay hydrated, ensure air ventilation in enclosed spaces, and use a fan or air conditioning.  

Animal Crossing safety video - Tokyo Fire Department uniform in Animal CrossingImage credit: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Besides safety tips, the department has also used the game to design their own virtual uniforms. They’ve even provided the creator’s code so that netizens can try these designs on for themselves.   

Animal Crossing safety video - Animal Crossing screenshot about child safety designed by Tokyo Fire DepartmentDanger of letting your child climb up furniture near an open window 
Image credit: @Tokyo_Fire_D

Other safety tips include reminding parents to move furniture away from edges of balconies and the dangers of letting children play near open windows. 


Tokyo fire department uses animal crossing to spread awareness


Animal Crossing has provided a timely escape into virtual reality for Japan and the rest of the world on lockdown. Bridging popular gaming and public safety, it is no wonder that the Tokyo Fire Department’s unorthodox use of Animal Crossing has been well received by the public. 

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Cover image adapted from: @Tokyo_Fire_D