Return migration after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster: the impact of institutional and individual factors. Issue 3 (14th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Do, Xuan Bien
• Is Part Of: Disasters. Volume 44:Issue 3(2020:Jul.)
• Page Start: 569
• Page End: 595
• Publication Date: 2020-01-14
• Subjects: compensation -- Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident -- evacuation areas -- evacuees -- rehabilitation -- return migration; Disasters -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1111/disa.12381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-3666

Abstract

Abstract : This paper explores two groups of factors, individual and institutional, that have influenced return migration since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan on 11 March 2011. Based on an analysis of statistical data on evacuees, a questionnaire completed by 289 people who migrated, and 19 semi‐structured interviews with disaster‐affected people, the research found (apropos of institutional factors) that while the lifting of the government's evacuation order has had no immediate effect on return decisions, the termination of monetary compensation and housing subsidies has had a significant bearing on them. As for individual factors, a strong sense of attachment to home and the possession of property, job obligations, and having family members in the home location are key determinants of return decisions. Moreover, the paper suggests that there could be differing opinions among Japanese government officials and evacuees regarding radiation exposure risk and the degree to which infrastructure and social services have been rehabilitated.