Atsushi Koresawa

Abstract:
This paper analyzes how the Japanese government has responded to the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that devastated cities and towns along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan claiming many precious lives and causing extremely extensive destruction. The resilience of a society depends largely on how it identifies existing gaps, how it addresses them in the recovery process, and how it integrates solutions in the existing disaster management system as a result. From such a perspective, this paper examines the government¡Çs response to the disaster for approximately the first one year following it by taking stock of progress made versus the priorities of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015.

Keywords: Great East Japan Earthquake, Hyogo Framework for Action, tsunami, response, recovery