Generational Divide Opens Gap in Post-Tsunami Planning

The Economist looks at the generational gap that is hampering efforts to rebuild tsunami-stricken communities in Japan, as the elderly favor restoring what was lost as soon as possible, and the young seek sustainable revitalization.

1 minute read

August 6, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Japan's aging population has been a concern of the country's officials and planners since long before the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami struck north-eastern Japan. Now, the wishes of an elderly population that is "richer, more risk-averse and more powerful than the young," are pitted against younger generations (and the central government) in determining how tsunami-stricken communities will be rebuilt. 

"The central government still hopes that rebuilding stricken areas can be
a blueprint for revitalisation of ageing communities elsewhere in
Japan. It is allowing innovative places to become 'special zones' that
are light on regulation and heavy on such new ideas as smart energy
grids and high-density living. The implication is that those who simply
want to restore what was lost may not get generous treatment. Yet
officials acknowledge that the elderly have a lot of voting power in
Japan, and are hard to boss about."

"Finding compromises on such fraught social issues is key to the
rebuilding, which suggests that it will remain painstakingly slow."

Saturday, August 4, 2012 in The Economist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit