Investigating Post-Disaster Reconstruction since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake: A Study on the Ōtsuchi-chō, Iwate Prefecture through Timelines

Daqian Yang, Masaaki Minami (), Kosuke Sato and Ashraf Uddin Fahim
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Daqian Yang: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka 020-8551, Iwate, Japan
Masaaki Minami: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka 020-8551, Iwate, Japan
Kosuke Sato: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka 020-8551, Iwate, Japan
Ashraf Uddin Fahim: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka 020-8551, Iwate, Japan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, 13 years have passed, and many areas have completed post-disaster reconstruction. Therefore, it is necessary to further summarise and analyse the experiences gained from this post-disaster reconstruction. This study conducted door-to-door interviews with residents of Ōtsuchi-chō, Iwate Prefecture, in the 13 years following the earthquake. It recorded the residents’ perspectives on post-disaster reconstruction and its shortcomings. By collecting locally published materials like newspapers, and local government records and integrating them with interview records, the first “Great East Japan Earthquake Timeline” for Ōtsuchi-chō was compiled. We primarily divided this timeline into the following three phases: the disaster and early reconstruction period (2011), the mid-reconstruction period (2012–2015), and the late reconstruction period (2016–Present). This timeline has yielded the following results: firstly, some issues have arisen during this prolonged reconstruction process. For example, continuous relocation hinders community rebuilding, especially in the context of an ageing society. Secondly, the “Ōtsuchi-chō Reconstruction Timeline” was created, which can be used for post-disaster reconstruction in contemporary Japanese villages facing severe ageing. This timeline provides a clear understanding of how disaster-affected areas can rebuild housing and infrastructure, and recover economically. It offers guidance for the reconstruction of Japanese villages after a disaster. Therefore, post-disaster reconstruction in the region should accelerate infrastructure development and continuously listen to residents’ voices, providing corresponding services to make reconstruction comprehensive and specific. At the same time, it also contributes to the post-disaster reconstruction of villages in other developed countries.

Keywords: reconstruction; 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; timeline; door-to-door interviews; Japanese village (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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