Survivors' Residential Movement and Decision-Making Process associated with Selfhelp Housing Reconstruction with Relocation after the Great East Japan Earthquake

- Case Studies of Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture -

Abstract

This study focused on the self-help housing reconstruction with relocation in Rikuzentakata City following the Great East Japan Earthquake in order to elucidate residential movement before and after the earthquake, changes in land use associated with the changes, and the process of the series of decisions made until reconstruction. In the case of residents with children or elderly family members, the decision making of residents revealed a progression in comparison with housing reconstruction projects due age limitations concerning loans, etc. Moreover, the resources that enabled the selfhelp housing reconstruction with relocation were enrollment in earthquake insurance, presence of family members with parent-child loans, transfer of land and provision of information by family members, relatives, or acquaintances.