Evacuation from Tsunami and Social Capital in Numanouchi Ward, Iwaki City

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship among peacetime human relations, that is, formation of networks, social capital accumulated as a result of human relations, and group evacuation (in units of neighborhood groups, Tonari-gumi) in Numanouchi ward. Located in Iwaki City, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Numanouchi ward was partially destroyed by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The study found that there are differences in the formation of networks, social capital, and group evacuation between the Numanouchi and Suwahara areas. The study also found that there is a (slight) difference in the processes followed in group evacuation and the factors influencing the choice of processes in both areas.