J-Alert System Test Procedure Manual

Scope and Prerequisites

This manual details the standard operating procedure for conducting a functional test of the J-Alert (National Instant Warning System) public warning infrastructure. The J-Alert system is a nationwide satellite-based system used by the Japanese government to disseminate immediate emergency information, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and ballistic missile threats, to local authorities and the public via various media.

Scope: This procedure covers the standard monthly test broadcast, typically scheduled for the 15th of each month at noon, weather permitting. It is intended for administrative and technical personnel responsible for system monitoring and verification at municipal offices or designated control points.

Prerequisites:

• Authorization: Personnel must have official clearance to access the monitoring station or relevant alert verification dashboards.
• Schedule Confirmation: Verify the test schedule via official channels (e.g., Fire and Disaster Management Agency website, internal memos). Tests may be cancelled due to actual emergencies or severe weather.
• Monitoring Equipment: Ensure all monitoring systems are operational. This includes:
  • Municipal Disaster Prevention Radio Receiver(s).
  • Commercial TV and radio sets tuned to NHK and local broadcasters.
  • Verified cellular phones with area broadcast reception enabled.
  • Any dedicated municipal alert monitoring software or hardware consoles.
• Log Sheet: Have the standardized test verification log sheet ready for documentation.

Procedure

1. Pre-Test System Check (11:45)

   Approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled test time, power on all monitoring equipment. Confirm operational status:

   • Disaster Prevention Radio: Check for a steady power indicator light. Ensure no prior error codes are displayed on the unit. The audio output should be silent, indicating standby mode.
   • Broadcast Media: Turn on TV and radio receivers. Tune the TV to the NHK General channel and the radio to the NHK Radio 1 frequency for your region.
   • Cellular Network: Ensure at least one test phone has "Emergency Alerts" (緊急速報) enabled in its settings. The phone should have signal reception.
   • Software Consoles: Log into any dedicated monitoring dashboard. Verify system connectivity; the status should read "Normal" or "Standby."

2. Test Execution and Monitoring (12:00)

   At precisely noon (12:00 JST), observe all output devices simultaneously.

   • Expected Sequence on Disaster Prevention Radio:
     1. A distinctive activation chime will sound (typically a sequence of beeps).
     2. A pre-recorded or synthesized voice announcement will follow. The standard test message is: "これは、テストです。こちらは、防災（市町村名）です。" (This is a test. This is [Municipality Name] Disaster Prevention.)
     3. The message may repeat. The broadcast will conclude with an end chime.
   • Expected Sequence on Broadcast Media (NHK): The regular programming will be interrupted. A test caption will appear on screen, and an announcer will read a similar test message.
   • Expected Sequence on Cellular Network: The test phone will emit a loud, distinctive alert sound (even if set to silent mode), vibrate, and display a full-screen text alert message stating it is a test.

3. Verification and Logging (12:02 - 12:05)

   Immediately after the test concludes, document the results on the verification log sheet.

   • For each monitored channel (Radio, TV, Cellular, etc.), mark "Received" or "Not Received."
   • Note the exact time of reception for each channel if possible.
   • Record the clarity of the audio/video message (Clear, Distorted, Unintelligible).
   • Document any anomalies (e.g., delayed activation, partial message, equipment error codes).
   • Sign and date the log sheet.

4. Post-Test Reset (12:05)

   Return all equipment to its standard standby or operational state. Ensure the Disaster Prevention Radio receiver is powered and in listening mode. File the completed log sheet according to local records management policy.

Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: The Disaster Prevention Radio did not activate during the test window.
A1: Follow this diagnostic checklist:

1. Power Check: Verify the unit is plugged in and the main power switch is ON.
2. Fuse/Circuit Breaker: Check the electrical outlet and any inline fuses on the power cord.
3. Standby Mode: Confirm the unit is in normal standby/receive mode, not in a configuration or maintenance menu.
4. Antenna Connection: Inspect the satellite or terrestrial antenna cable connection for damage or disconnection.
5. Internal Alert Log: Consult the unit's internal memory log (if equipped) for any received signal entries around the test time.
6. Escalation: If all basic checks pass, report the failure immediately to the regional maintenance authority or the system vendor, providing the unit's model and serial number.

Q2: The cellular phone did not receive the Area Mail (エリアメール) / Emergency Alert test.
A2:

1. Settings Verification: Navigate to the phone's Settings > Notifications or Safety & Emergency menu. Ensure "Emergency Alerts," "Government Alerts," or "災害・避難情報" are enabled. (Note: On some devices, these cannot be disabled).
2. Network Connection: The phone must be powered on, not in Airplane Mode, and within range of a cellular network. It does not need an active data subscription.
3. Location: Confirm you are within the geographic area targeted by the test. Municipal tests are broadcast to specific jurisdictions.
4. Device Compatibility: Very old mobile phones may not support the relevant reception protocols (ETWS/LTE Broadcast). Verify device compatibility.
5. Carrier Status: In rare cases, a carrier's local cell tower may have experienced an issue. Check if other phones on different carriers in the same location received the alert.

Q3: The public did not receive the test alert via TV/Radio, but the municipal receiver did. What should we do?
A3: This indicates a potential failure in the downstream relay from the municipal system to the broadcasters. Immediately contact the prefectural disaster management center to report the discrepancy, providing your verified log. They will investigate the relay link to the broadcast media.

Q4: An actual emergency occurs just before or during the scheduled test. What is the protocol?
A4: The scheduled test is automatically cancelled by the central system if a real warning is issued. If you are monitoring and a real alert is received, immediately follow your municipality's standard operating procedure for emergency response. Do not wait for or expect the test signal.