Japan Women’s Network for Disaster Risk Reduction

The strengths and weaknesses of every society are laid bare when disaster strikes. Perhaps as consolation in times of tragedy, we tend to gather around hopeful narratives – stories of great heroism, sacrifice, compassion, generosity and endurance. But if we do not also acknowledge the failures that were made in the face of adversity, we will surely fail again at the time of the next calamity.

Within minutes of the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan’s main island on March 11, 2011, dreadful images of the disaster flashed around the world. Horrified viewers everywhere responded with a wave of global generosity and compassion for which all Japanese remain deeply humbled and grateful.

In subsequent days, what television viewers saw was mostly Japan at its best (with the glaring exception of events at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant). Rescue and relief teams raced to the scene swiftly and efficiently. Friendly nations flew in aid. And the victims showed typical Japanese gaman – stoic endurance of the unbearable. For those who know Japan, none of this was surprising. So when an American news anchorman asked his reporter on the scene, “Has the looting begun yet?” they could only shake their heads. That is not how a society shaped by dealing with disasters over millennia responds.

My report provides a narrative history of our networks activities, particularly our intensive effort to influence key legislation on reconstruction efforts. In their own reports, my esteemed colleagues provide several useful perspectives on other issues.