Planning for Disaster Resilience in Japan: Integration of ‘Build Back Better’

Abstract

‘Build back better’, as a policy, is an integral part of planning for disaster resilience in Japan. This policy puts emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of disaster vulnerability during the recovery process so that people, infrastructures and assets can withstand the impacts of future disasters. Enforcing ‘Build back better’ policy offers a range of benefits: it prevents loss of life and property from future disasters; it stimulates economic activities; and it generates co-benefits. However, as a policy, countries around world do not have a common understanding of what ‘build back better’ means, including how to achieve and sustain it. This article reviews the case of Japan and argues that enforcement of ‘Build back better’ policy demands regular drills and simulations, making it part of the ‘culture of resilience’.