Economic Implications of Disaster Reconstruction: 5 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake

2015 saw the conclusion of the five-year “Concentrated Reconstruction Period”, initiated and funded by the Central Government’s Reconstruction Agency. The next five-year plan commencing in April 2016 will focus on “Reconstruction and Revitalisation”, spearheaded by local governments in Tohoku and Fukushima. Attention will now be on recovering a radiation-free environment and redeveloping a sustainable local economy, revitalising the disaster area for future residents. But should more money be spent on regenerating an area that was already in decline before the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011?

The practical and effective use of the reconstruction budget is a sensitive issue, polarising Japanese public opinion. Some argue that as Tohoku was already depopulating and the area will never be ‘reconstructed’ in any true sense, it is unwise to invest taxpayers’ money in redevelopment. Others believe that people have the right to return to their homes, and that the government has a duty to support them financially by reconstructing local economy and infrastructure. Economic investment, it is argued, provides hope to those displaced that someday they can return to the homes they once knew.

In this seminar, we will discuss the economic implications of disaster reconstruction, and how to find a balance between practicality and hope.

This event is free but booking is essential. Places can be booked at: http://www.dajf.org.uk/events/booking-form.