Resilience Assessment of Major Japanese Cities Based on Public Statistical Information

Abstract

Conducting assessments using city resilience indicators based on public statistical information helps us to understand the actual conditions and resilience of our cities and communities, thereby enhancing our ability to resist, adapt to, and recover from devastating disasters. The paper introduces the methodology and procedure of developing city resilience indicators and a case of conducting resilience assessment using the indicators targeting major cities in Japan. Initially, 18 indicators were carefully selected based on selection criteria; 1) data availability, 2) data reliability, 3) representativeness, 4) local adaptability, and 5) policy relevance. Secondly, resilience of major Japanese cities including Tokyo and government-designated cities were assessed using these 18 city resilience indicators and 3 integrated indicators. These results were illustrated on a radar charts and scatter charts. Results of the study show the importance of conducting resilience assessment using several indicators together with public statistical information.