The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on
As we approach the second year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, the Government of Japan would like to share this report with you. The update is on the current state of the country, including the progress made towards reconstruction, economic revitalization and crisis management.
The Great East Japan Earthquake – two years on
Japan’s top priority is accelerating the ”revitalization process”. The government will focus on policies that benefit economic revival, reconstruction and crisis management – the three main ‘pillars’ for enacting meaningful change.
Three Pillars
- Economic Revival: For Japan, the most urgent issue is revitalizing the nation’s economy to ensure stability and future prosperity.
- Proof point: More than 10 trillion yen (USD $106 billion approximately) will be set aside to stimulate the economy through job creation, enhancing innovation, reconstruction efforts, strengthening domestic demand and creating global opportunities.
- Reconstruction: Japan will accelerate the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas and make concerted efforts to create a newly revitalized Tohoku Region.
- Proof point: The budgetary framework for reconstruction has been expanded from 19 trillion yen to 25 trillion for FY2011-2015 (USD $202 billion to approx. USD $266 billion). As a result, further funding for the reconstruction has been secured in the FY2012 supplementary budget and the FY2013 budget.
- Crisis Management: In an effort to ensure readiness for any future crises or disasters, Japan plans to prioritize strengthening infrastructure and public facilities throughout the country.
- Proof point: Japan is making a major investment of 2.2 trillion yen (USD $23.4 billion dollars approx.) to restore and fortify social infrastructures such as schools, highways and bridges.