Comments on: 防災 II

By: Sean Kinsell

Sean Kinsell — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 05:02:32 +0000

submandave:
It's interesting that you say that, because it really isn't true of a lot of places in Tokyo the way it is in small towns. It's not because the government has assumed a bigger role here; it's just that people move apartments a lot, and neighborhoods tend to be full of transplanted families without roots where they're living. Even given that, there's still a sense of ground-level cooperation, though, with regards to disaster preparation. And you're right that there hasn't been as much carrying on from small towns in the states hit by Katrina, probably for the reasons you mention.

Gaijin Biker:
ありがとうございます。本当に、まるでナダレのようで衝撃的なんですよ。

By: Gaijin Biker

Gaijin Biker — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 22:27:50 +0000

インスタランチおめでとうございます。

By: submandave

submandave — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 20:31:12 +0000

In Japan this local assistance is greatly helped by the very formalized “informal” neighborhood associations. Just about family in a neighborhood has certain known and expected responsibilities. When Bon Odori (a kind of Fall Festival) comes up, it is mainly the neighborhood associations that plan, organize, finance and hold the event. When someone in the neighborhood dies, it is again people in the association that help plan support and help for the bereaved. It is only natural this sort of mutual support extends to disasters.

In the US, though, the government (and increasingly the federal government) has assumed the roles similar neighborhood associations used to perform. But note that in the small towns of Mississippi and Alabama (and even small communities outlying NO) you don’t hear as much of the “Daddy, save me” chorus, as tighter community and neighborhood relationships seem to have largely filled in the gaps like they should in crisis.

By: Classical Values

Classical Values — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 06:55:41 +0000

Wisdom From The East

Sean Kinsell makes some interesting observations about disaster relief in paternalistic Japan… Well, I will tell you as someone who has lived here for a decade: what you hear about disaster preparedness ALWAYS involves local intiatives. Sometimes, municipal governments are…

By: My Own Thoughts

My Own Thoughts — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 07:30:59 +0000

Suggestions for Improvement in Disaster Preparedness

The government, since we rely on them so heavily, should tell us that we should prepare for a disaster. Any disaster. Assume that we will need five days of food, water, and whatever else we might want. Suggest an emergency med kit. Recommend addit…