Expediting Recovery: Lessons and Challenges from the Great East Japan Earthquake to War-Torn Ukraine

Mikio Ishiwatari (), Akiko Sakamoto and Mikiyasu Nakayama
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Mikio Ishiwatari: The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 2770082, Japan
Akiko Sakamoto: Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Tokyo, Tokyo 1050001, Japan
Mikiyasu Nakayama: Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Tokyo, Tokyo 1050001, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: The ongoing war in Ukraine poses an uncertain future, highlighting the need to prioritize reconstruction efforts even before the war ends. Japan’s recovery mechanisms have developed based on the experiences and lessons learned from natural disasters such as the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and from war damage by World War II. This study aims to draw practical insights and lessons from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for Ukraine’s postwar recovery and help achieve rapid and high-quality results. This study reviews the literature, policy documents, and reports on recovery from the disaster. It was found that streamlining environmental impact assessments, land use regulations, and land acquisition could accelerate recovery. Engaging the private sector promoted the reconstruction of critical infrastructure and housing projects. This Japanese case study highlights the importance of ensuring sustained commitment and avoiding setbacks in the recovery process by establishing legislative, planning, and institutional frameworks, as well as financial mechanisms. Protecting human health is paramount, even if more resources are needed to manage hazardous materials. Applying these valuable lessons to Ukraine requires careful consideration, including leveraging foreign investments to supplement limited domestic resources and establishing effective governance structures that promote transparency, accountability, and coordination.

Keywords: housing reconstruction; land use regulation; public–private partnership (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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