Chronological Analysis of Residents' Activities and Sustainable Management of Neighbourhood Associations in Temporary Housing Complexes:

A Case Study of Ishinomaki-City, Miyagi Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

Those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 were forced to live in temporary housing complexes. Neighbourhood associations established in these temporary housing complexes played important roles in improving the living conditions of the residents. In this study, we selected three types of neighbourhood associations in Ishinomaki-city, Miyagi Prefecture, and analysed the residents' activities and the management of the associations from 2013 to 2015. We found seven core activities fundamental for improving the living environment in the temporary housing complexes. The key requisites noted for sustainable management of the neighbourhood associations included reduction of the workload and responsibilities of the chairperson, appointment of female officials, and establishment of vice-group leader positions.