Study on Trends of Resumption and Establishment of Businesses in the Areas Affected by Fukushima Nuclear Disaster after the lift of evacuation orders

Focusing on the center of Namie Town

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the actual situation and issues of resumption and establishment of businesses after the lift of evacuation orders in the areas affected by Fukushima nuclear disaster. This study reveals that (1) the number of businesses has decreased significantly since the nuclear accident occurred, and (2) most managers of businesses which have resumed or established in the areas that evacuation orders were lifted think that the business environment has not been recovered and employees have been lacking. Based on these results, this study points out that it is necessary to provide subsidies for operation of businesses and to develop local economy revitalization programs by collaboration of business managers, local groups, municipalities, the prefectural government office, and the national government.