Field Research Using the “Days After” Approach

A Case Study of “Memoirs for the Future”

Abstract

Semi–structured interviews were conducted with residents of Kuroshio, Kochi Prefecture, using the “days after” approach, which considers a potential future disaster as something that has already happened. It is a perspective that views the occurrence of a disaster not merely as a possibility, but as something that will surely happen in the future. This study attempted to apply the days–after approach to engender a proactive attitude toward disaster prevention. Specifically, this study asked participants the question, “What would you like to keep after a disaster has occurred?” The results showed that the days–after question helped participants reflect on their daily life and think about disaster prevention actions. In other words, by accepting that “a disaster will definitely occur,” the participants came to appreciate the importance of “everyday life,” and in so doing, they were able to prepare for the disaster.