18 Units of the Portable Water-Regeneration System “WOTA BOX” Introduced at the National Police Agency
—Practical Equipment Training Conducted for the Specialized Disaster Response Unit “Special Rescue Team of the Wide-Area Emergency Response Unit”—
In light of the response to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and as part of broader efforts to enhance police operational capabilities, 18 units of the portable water-regeneration system “WOTA BOX” have been introduced to the National Police Agency (NPA).
The NPA is advancing various initiatives to strengthen police capabilities so that it can continue to carry out swift and accurate operations even in the event of future large-scale disasters. The introduction of “WOTA BOX” forms part of equipment enhancements aimed at ensuring the continuity of police operations, even during prolonged disaster responses.
In preparation for this deployment, equipment training was conducted during the FY2025 East Japan Joint Special Rescue Team Exercise, held in Tochigi Prefecture from November 6 to 7, 2025. The training targeted the “Special Rescue Team of the Wide-Area Emergency Response Unit,” an advanced disaster response unit stationed across 16 prefectures and dispatched during large-scale disasters. Assuming prolonged water outages, participants received practical instruction on the rapid setup and initial operation of “WOTA BOX” in emergency situations. The program also included a review of system specifications and operational procedures to ensure that the unit can effectively instruct on-site support teams in proper installation and use.
“WOTA BOX” and the water-regeneration handwashing stand “WOSH” were previously deployed at evacuation centers affected by prolonged water outages during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Drawing on insights gained from those disaster response operations, the training incorporated a hands-on session in which participants assembled a “WOTA BOX” themselves under realistic operational scenarios. Participants actively engaged in practical discussions, raising questions and exchanging views from an operational perspective.
