c hi e yamagishi, nhk world, tokyo. >>> the march 2011 disaster was a wake-up call for authorities in japan. they are trying to be better prepared the next time an earthquake strikes. thousands of self-defense force personnel and emergency crews started a five-day drill monday in tokyo. city officials estimate a huge earthquake hitting directly under the capital could kill more than 9,000 and destroy or damage 380,000 buildings. >> defense ministry workers put out a mock alert. then ground and maritime and self-defense forces officials rushed to the sdf offices to lead their teams. they are practicing how sdf units and transport routes for relief supplies would be set up in the event of a disaster. sdf personnel worked on crossing a river by boat to prepare in case something blocks their access to disaster areas. the self-defense forces learned a lot after last year's earthquake and tsunami. 100,000 troops went to the northeast of japan to help out. but they had problems working with local communities and sharing duties with u.s. soldiers. later this week the sdf will set up coordinat