Empowering local residents during disaster revitalization via self-supported study: Creating the disaster game “Crossroad: Oarai”

Abstract

During the revitalization period after natural disasters, the residents in disaster-affected areas often become less “empowered” because people from outside the region offer extensive support. The problem is that this results in a negative cycle of “forced” support from outsiders and loss of empowerment among residents. In this context, to become re-empowered, residents should use their own words to describe and overcome problems rather than rely on external supporters. In this study, we conducted research aimed at supporting the residents of Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, which was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, to develop a disaster game called “Crossroad: Oarai”. We used the practice of “self-supported study”, which was developed at Bethel House in Urakawa, in this study. Firstly, the process of creating “Crossroad” separated objectively identified social problems from the residents facing those problems. Secondly, problems that were formulated in the “Crossroad” format were easier to share widely as public problems. Finally, we discussed the roles and problems of the supporters.