This study shows that one of the benefits of networking disaster relief volunteer organizations is to provide an opportunity for knowledge sharing and platform creation. Also, the study investigates appropriate functions with which to equip the expected network organization assumed in Japan. For this purpose, an American case—the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)—and a Japanese case—disaster volunteerism after the Kobe Earthquake—were considered. The case study yielded three main findings. The NVOAD members’ motivation for joining the network is sharing each group’s tacit knowledge, making it explicit. This is defined as knowledge externalization. Rulemaking by volunteers is built into committee activities, and their face-to-face discussions can be interpreted as a mode of knowledge combination. In contrast, the Japanese system emphasizes the management of spontaneous volunteers, which enables a knowledge internalization process. The expected network organization in Japan can learn from the American case, while maintaining the advantages of the Japanese system.

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This study focuses on the concept of an inter-ward, risk-diversified spatial allocation model for the storage of relief goods to reduce the cost of the relief goods policy. The study proposes the model, and shows the feasibility and efficiency of the suggested logistics policy by applying it to a case study of the Shonai River, Nagoya City. The simulation results show that one day’s worth of stocked relief goods in each shelter is sufficient for sustaining all evacuees for three days in any disaster scenario, and reduces the total costs of the relief goods policy. The study further illustrates the applicability of the model to wide-area disasters.

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