Abstract
Based on the experiences of great Kobe earthquake, NPOs in the Kobe area have advocated a “new” civil society. Having analyzed the books written by members of Kobe-area NPOs, I found this concept of “new” civil society to be that of communitarianism, deliberative democracy and sustainable community. Such a new civil society seeks to promote quality of life for each individual and realize social inclusion. However, to build civil society, it is necessary for every citizen to have a powerful and independent spirit, the power of logical thinking and a sense of morality.
