2013 Volume 28 Issue 2 Pages 269-288
Of the tsunami-affected areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Otsuchi-cho sustained the most serious damage. The author examined the damage to recovery situation in Otsuchi from vulnerability and demographic attribute perspectives. For the examination, the author conducted an analysis based on various related materials, as well as on the results of a survey he conducted at temporary housing units. At the tsunami-affected areas, there were three dimensions of vulnerability and demographic attributes, as follows. First, the tsunami-effected areas, being situated in Tohoku, were vulnerable in terms of regional community's economic indicators, depopulation, aging society, and leaders in the local public sphere. Second, if one looks at the figures for the dead and missing, there is a high proportion of senior citizens. A specific class of people were vulnerable in terms of evacuation. Third, it became clear there was social stratification between the survivors. For the third point, the author did a more specific analysis using the results of his survey of temporary housing units. There are many factors involved, so the author did an analysis on two axes: economic life (material possessions and livelihood) and peace of mind (mental calmness).In the result of the analysis, it was found that hard live situations pre-disaster had an effect on post-disaster life. Due to the blow the disaster dealt, only 20% of respondents reported they were not experiencing lifestyle difficulty. In terms of peace of mind, only 1/3 reported they felt mentally calm. After combining the two axes, over half of respondents were having problems in terms of both lifestyle and peace of mind. Conversely, about 10% reporting having no problems with either lifestyle or peace of mind.
