Reconstruction of East Japan devastated by 2011 disasters: viewpoints from Rikuzentakata

This document summarizes the proceedings of the symposium on “Reconstruction and Invigoration of Disaster-hit Areas – Viewpoints from Rikuzentakata”. It describes the reconstruction process, highlighting the communities and business role played on it. It also includes a chapter on challenges and future perspectives towards building a sustainable society, highlighting good practices and success factors.

Rikuzentakata was one of the most seriously devastated cities by the 2011 Tsunami. It asserts that reconstruction processes require multi-stakeholder involvement: local government, city council, fishermen, farmers and businesses assent and dissent on specific reconstruction plans, priorities, fiscal allocations and time frames. It demonstrates that if public resentment was unresolved due to the hastened reconstruction processes, it could retard the process and undermine the effectiveness and long term sustainability goals. Therefore, findings assert that long term visions and incentives are required for the public involvement in the reconstruction and disaster preparedness.