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."

FULL STORY: Generational warfare

Saturday, August 4, 2012 in The Economist

Land Use Social / Demographics Asia-Pacific Rebuilding Japan Aging Populations Earthquake tsunami View More

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