Policy Proposal

Policy Proposal for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction and Rebuilding Japan

Japan as a leading country in disaster prevention
Becoming a nation with a safe and secure position in the world

The danger of the policy “from concrete to people” has become apparent.
The government must actively make public investments in order to develop a strong infrastructure for disaster prevention and build Japan as a leading country in disaster prevention.

Building tsunami-resistant towns
Towns must be built that are resistant to tsunamis, and sea embankments nationwide must be strengthened.
Boosting the durability of buildings
The durability of buildings must be further strengthened to prepare for earthquakes near cities.
Constructing earthquake-resistant transportation networks
Transportation networks that are resistant to earthquakes must be built, and this must include moving transportation networks underground and widening roadways.
Enhancing air access
In order to enhance access from the air during times of emergency, airports must be built far from the ocean, and transportation networks that provide regular service to small jet aircraft and helicopters must be upgraded.
Developing an earthquake-resistant information infrastructure
Disaster prevention systems at bases must be strengthened, and interruptions in communications during disasters must be minimized.
Enhancing disaster reserves
Disaster reserves, including generators and food, must be enhanced at schools and other public facilities.

From reconstruction of the Tohoku region to rebuilding Japan

The government must do its utmost to reconstruct the Tohoku region and must use this momentum to rebuild Japan.

Issuance of east Japan reconstruction bonds and provision of emergency unsecured interest-free loans to affected persons
The government must obtain financial resources for reconstruction by having the Bank of Japan directly accept east Japan reconstruction bonds that are issued. Furthermore, the government must have policy finance institutions provide special, emergency unsecured interest-free loans to companies and individuals that were affected by the earthquake.
Concentrated urban development based on multifunctional high-rise buildings
City functions must be concentrated in multifunctional high-rise buildings that are resistant to earthquakes and tsunamis (including housing, offices, schools, supermarkets, medical institutions, and heliports), and the safety and productivity of cities must be improved.
Enhancing agricultural and water export industries
Exports of rice and vegetables must be stimulated by constructing vegetable factories and on the like and increasing the size of farms through land readjustment. Furthermore the water export industry must be further developed.
Enhancing air access
In order to enhance access from the air during times of emergency, airports must be built far from the ocean, and transportation networks that provide regular service to small jet aircraft and helicopters must be upgraded.
Developing special strategic harbors
Sendai Shiogama Port and on the like must be developed as round-the-clock special strategic harbors.

Strengthening energy policy initiatives

The government must swiftly work to improve the safety of nuclear power generation and enhance the steady supply of energy.

Improving the safety of nuclear power generation
The government must build emergency shelters in the areas surrounding nuclear power plants and boost the safety of nuclear power generation by taking measures such as preventing the spread of radioactivity from leaks.
Utilization of hydropower generation, etc.
The building of dams must be promoted, and flood control and water utilization functions must be enhanced. Halted dam construction must be resumed. The conversion capacity for east-west Japan power frequencies must be strengthened for the interchanging of electric power.
Development of new energy sources
The development of new energy sources such as methane hydrate must be promoted.
Strengthening of resource diplomacy
The supply of fuel must be stabilized through proactive diplomacy with major resource nations such as Russia and Canada, etc.

Strengthening the unity of the nation, rather than regional sponsorship

In terms of not only defense, but also disaster relief, citizens cannot be protected with regional sponsorship.
In order to protect the lives, safety, and property of citizens, the unity of the nation must be enhanced, and defense and disaster prevention systems must be strengthened.

Strengthening and expanding the Self-Defense Forces
Ample mobile power must be provided during disasters by expanding conventional Self-Defense Forces and modernizing equipment. Furthermore, Self-Defense Force bases must be constructed that are resistant to disasters, such as bases in the mountains.
Constructing aircraft carriers for earthquake disaster countermeasures
Aircraft carriers for earthquake disaster countermeasures must be constructed and dispatched to relocation bases for affected persons during disasters

Issues