Towards reconstruction: hope beyond the disaster

This document provides a sensible set of guidelines for deciding what should be rebuilt and where. It states that a concept of "disaster reduction" will be paramount in reconstruction. Based on this concept, preparations for disaster must be made from the perspectives of prioritizing efforts to ensure that even if disaster strikes it will not result in the loss of human life, and also working to minimize economic damage as much as possible. It further asserts that Japan should also engage in thorough disaster prevention education founded on the fundamental concept of "escape" and develop hazard maps.

This report was submitted to the Prime Minister by the Reconstruction Design Council in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake on 25 June 2011, as an advisory framework for formulating governmental guidelines on reconstruction in regions affected by the Earthquake.