MISHIMA, Shizuoka -- On March 11, 89 children at a kindergarten here practiced the "pill bug pose," crouching and covering their heads, during a citywide earthquake drill marking the 14th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

The "ShakeOut drill" involved 15,857 participants from 148 groups across Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, emphasizing immediate self-protection actions during earthquakes. The drill simulated a quake occurring at 10 a.m., and participants practiced three key ShakeOut actions: crouching, head protection, and remaining still for one minute.

Mishima Municipal Kita Kindergarten conducts monthly earthquake drills, and the children already know to take cover under desks when inside. This drill, meanwhile, focused on outdoor scenarios.

Children playing on swings and jungle gyms quickly moved to the playground center, away from potential falling objects, and assumed the protective pose. After the "quake," teachers checked attendance and reported to Principal Misuzu Ito.

During a post-drill assembly, Principal Ito asked, "What do you do with your life?" to which the children responded, "Protect ourselves!" Ito said later, "I'm pleased that everyone gathered in the center of the playground immediately. I believe they successfully applied the self-protective actions we teach regularly."

(Japanese original and video by Hiroshi Ishikawa, Numazu Local Bureau)