Disaster in Japan: A Case Study

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the response in Japan to the triple disaster that ravaged the east coast on 11 March 2011. The chapter addresses three successive phases. First, preparing for the disaster: lessons learned in disaster management from the Kobe earthquake in 1995; ‘the nuclear village’ controlling Japan’s nuclear energy supply; and reasons for the dangerous location of nuclear plants along the eastern coast of Honshu, so close to the sea. Second, coping with the disaster: the lack of strong political leadership in the Japanese Diet when joint national leadership was most needed, which was counterbalanced by infrastructure measures and an emergency social coordination network for effective volunteering already in place. Third, planning for the future: rebuilding Tohoku; deciding on Japan’s future energy policy; and relocating more than 100,000 people. While this brief study discusses Japan only, it shows that in managing disasters, governments must assume control and coordination based on community needs and support. Because of the nature and complexity of disasters, preparedness can only ever be achieved to a limited degree.