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Open AccessArticle
The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan
by
Xinyu Zhang
Xinyu Zhang 1,* and
Takako Izumi
Takako Izumi 1,2
1
Graduate School of International Cultural Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
2
International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188045 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 5 May 2024
/
Revised: 7 September 2024
/
Accepted: 12 September 2024
/
Published: 14 September 2024
Abstract
Disaster memorials have emerged as pivotal approaches for not only commemorating disasters but also imparting lessons to future generations. However, despite discussions on preservation, little involvement has been reflected in the impacts of different memorial patterns in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examines the roles of disaster-related memorial facilities in DRR, exploring how distinct memorial patterns transfer disaster experiences to future generations. This research is based on a quantitative strategy, applying an online questionnaire with 538 respondents who visited the three selected sites under the background of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) to identify their triggers and purpose for visiting, the impact of facilities on raising disaster awareness, the practical contents, and the important roles of DRR. The findings reveal that while all three facilities contribute to DRR with the same most important role as disseminating the lessons of the GEJET, their impact on visitors’ disaster awareness varies. Sendai Arahama Elementary School particularly raises awareness of disaster threats, while the Higashi-Matsushima Memorial Museums and the 3.11 Memorial Community Center enhance visitors’ disaster-related knowledge. Visually stimulating exhibits in the facilities, such as remains, photos, and videos, underscore the importance of disaster preparedness, while panels and science exhibits offer comprehensive insights into disaster-related knowledge. However, none of the three sites have significant roles in deepening regional exchange.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Zhang, X.; Izumi, T.
The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan. Sustainability 2024, 16, 8045.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188045
AMA Style
Zhang X, Izumi T.
The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan. Sustainability. 2024; 16(18):8045.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188045
Chicago/Turabian Style
Zhang, Xinyu, and Takako Izumi.
2024. "The Role of Disaster Memorial Facilities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Experiences from the Tohoku Region in Japan" Sustainability 16, no. 18: 8045.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188045
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