Difficulties in Post-tsunami Reconstruction Plan following Japan’s 3.11 Mega Disaster:dilemma between Protection and Sustainability

After the 11 March 2011 tsunami, post-tsunami reconstruction planning has started. In this article several key points and difficulties in the reconstruction plan are introduced based on the experiences of the author, who is part of the planning process. Before explaining the problems with the reconstruction plan, comprehensive planning problems in rural areas are introduced. These problems are population decline, a super-aging society, decline of city/town centre and land problems. Next, the goal of post-tsunami reconstruction is argued through the key concept of “building back better” to confirm the purpose of the reconstruction. Finally, based on the tsunami protection level and its background thought, a number of dilemmas are discussed. For example, the result of the reconstruction project of “moving to higher ground” means a separated city/town/village, yet a compact city/town/village concept is required in the population decline phase.