Prepared for the Unexpected: On The Great East Japan Earthquake, and How Disaster Preparedness Prevailed

Abstract

A detailed overview of the Great East Japan earthquake of the 11th of March, 2011. How had Japan prepared before the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear crisis, and how was the national response to them after? This study looks at the evolution of Japan’s disaster management system and education, and how prior preparations affected the aftermath of the disasters. As the nuclear crisis at Fukushima unfolded, the study explores how this key event unfolded as well, and how Japan looks to recover from these events. As criticism against the government and involved organizations mounted, the Japanese public began coming up with its own solutions to problems. How Japan fully recovers from the disasters remains to be seen, nevertheless, an effective education in disaster preparedness undeniably saved lives, and rigorous building codes and mitigations proved effective.