Coexistence between Local Livelihoods and the Natural Environment

—Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami—

Abstract

The Pacific coast of the Tohoku region was severely damaged by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. The main industries in the region are fisheries and fish processing businesses, all related to natural environmental resources. These industries and the livelihoods of those who work within them depend on abundant natural resources, but tsunami occur frequently in the earthquake-prone Japanese archipelago, which can cause catastrophic disasters and the loss of human lives and property. In Tohoku, a huge tide embankment was built to prevent damage from future tsunami. Zoning has also been implemented to limit residential areas. However, the milieu (風土: huudo) of this region has been formed by the relationship between nature, residents' livelihoods, and industry. Therefore, it is necessary to make appropriate investments and carefully consider the ideal coexistence with nature based on disaster experiences and the transfer of scientific knowledge. This paper describes the basic theory of coexistence with the natural environment.