Emerging place governance to lost places for communities: Government planning and citizen-driven placemaking in the disaster memorial parks after the 2011 Japan tsunami

This study explored how government place-based planning and citizen-driven placemaking transform place identity of lost places after the 2011 Japan tsunami. Physical destruction, land use management, residential buyouts, and residential relocation following disasters disconnects people and places.

The results of the study suggest that citizen-driven placemaking can potentially serve as a driving force to transform a sense of place that enhances the sense of belonging to lost places. We conclude that local authorities must pay attention to the fluctuation in the meaning of lost places that may influence long-term community recovery. Governments, civic organizations, and locals need to promote collaboration and pursue multi-stakeholder land use governance which can enhance community resilience.