The experience of large earthquakes in Japan and impact on body physique in schoolchildren

Abstract

Natural disasters have the potential to disrupt human life and society in a variety of ways. This is true of typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and a host of other events. On March 11, 2011, a large earthquake occurred off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, Japan. Called the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, it was the most powerful earthquake recorded in Japanese history, and triggered powerful tsunami waves and an unprecedented nuclear accident. The tsunami caused serious damage to coastal areas in the Tohoku district. Since then, the area’s environment has undergone a huge change. Such environmental change may affect the growth and development of children living in and around damaged areas. Recently, data from investigation results have been revealed showing the relationship between the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and child growth in Japan. These results are most likely related to changes in both the environment and the socioeconomic status of individuals living in the affected areas. Since the environment and areas in which children still live are in a transitional period from reconstruction efforts, the level of child growth and development will also have changed. Accordingly, future studies and investigations aim to determine if these secular trends are continuing, and intend to examine possible explanations and consequences.