'Monozukuri': Japanese methods in disaster management

Little more than a year after tragedy struck Japan, the debate is in the direction of what after the loss? What can we do? Fukushima may have been accidental but it might carry the effect for long.

Data informs of the extent of damage in the three prefectures — Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture — totalling more than 1,500 fatalities across the region. The struggle to emerge from the tragedy lies in reconstructing the affected areas.

During my recent visit, I saw the resilience of the Japanese. Their struggle is borne from the pride for their role in Japanese monozukuri (the process of making or creating things), as well as from dedication to consumers awaiting products and to the desire to contribute to the devastated areas.

Economic recovery in the disaster-hit areas mainly involves the restoration of local enterprises and industries. Home to 478 textile products, manufacturing businesses bore the brunt of great east Japan earthquake and the resultant Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power Plant accident.

It is amazing to see many fashion industries support the Fukushima project by buying the Fukushima Prefecture textile projects. Especially created with RED GF tag products, it is helped by the government to stimulate activity from scratch.

One of the challenges is overcoming the fear among the buyers of possible radiation in the soil. Yamamoto Strawberry plantation in Miyagi suffered immense damage, even after the recovery.

They have found a perfect solution in the form of “Aeroponics”. It involves cultivation high above ground level, as well planting of seeds in coconut husks in place of soil and the use of effective microorganisms etc.

The motivation behind this includes serious effort to revive the economy as quickly as possible with the support of local government. Soon after a few months, there is a reverse immigration and residents are making their way back to the place in large numbers.

There is an ongoing debate about the after-effect of consumption of products from these areas. How much radiation is dangerous and could be cancerous? Only time can measure the real impact.

But the question here is the assimilation of facts at the moment that we take effort to understand.

Rumours have caused immense damage. Radiation is limited to a certain part and beyond that Fukushima is ready to do business. The greater efforts in public-private partnerships are leading to exemplary recovery in the area. 

Lastly, though their resilience the Japanese have been able to turn around the situation. India must learn disaster management from Japan. We must be ready.