Adaptation to Environment and KAIZEN of Local Government Officials of Niigata Prefecture on Crisis Management

－Case of The 2004 Mid-Niigata Earthquake and The 2007 Off Mid-Niigata Earthquake－

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the actual conditions of local government in charge of crisis management in Japan from the standpoint of organization theory. Firstly, a literature review of “risk” and “organization” is conducted. Secondly, by analyzing actual response records provided by Niigata prefecture, the disaster response activities of Niigata prefecture during the 2004 Mid-Niigata Earthquake are evaluated. Thirdly, by analyzing local plan for disaster prevention revised after the 2004 Mid-Niigata Earthquake and the 2004 Niigata heavy rain fall and responses of Niigata prefecture during the 2007 Off Mid-Niigata Earthquake, adaptation to environment and KAIZEN of local government officials of Niigata prefecture are evaluated.