Japanese stone monuments and disaster memory – perspectives for DRR

Purpose The paper focuses on an aspect of disaster often overlooked by experts: that memory both as a prevention tool and one potentially contributing to the resilience vulnerable communities in Japan. objective is, more specifically, explore specific source Japan, namely disaster-related stone monuments scattered throughout archipelago. Design/methodology/approach To achieve goals, authors have studied several types materials. First, used “Natural Disaster Monument” online database compiled Geospatial Information Authority Japan (GIS), data upon which based field research study, focused water-related Otsu city (Shiga Prefecture). Simultaneously, systematically searched Japanese newspapers since middle 19th century well archives Shiga prefecture order collect additional information statistical reality these monuments, context their creation better estimate severity our case studies. Findings findings show are indeed structuring elements Not only they present archipelago, but addition, still for most part visited local communities. Second, how this material culture disaster, vector memory, could be understand bring awareness occurrence hazards, especially future generations. Originality/value promote interdisciplinary approach associating anthropology history. study offers new original character about object relating cultural historical fields neglected DDR. provide method suggest ways integrate into DDR policies. Finally, propose overall reflection mitigation.