Return migration after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster: the impact of institutional and individual factors

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.

Preparação e resposta a desastres do Brasil na pandemia da COVID-19

“…Examples of biological disasters are epidemics, infestations and pests. Finally, societal disasters involve conflicts or intentional acts such as terrorism and cyber attacks, among others (Do, 2019;WHO, 2011;Quarantelli, Lagadec, & Boin, 2007).…”

Returning Home after Decontamination? Applying the Protective Action Decision Model to a Nuclear Accident Scenario

“…If risks are categorized on a scale all the way from negligible to intolerable [ 16 ], sizable groups of citizens see exposure to radiation as intolerable, even at low doses [ 10 ]. With the Fukushima Daiichi accident, for example, even when all of the financial support for the evacuees had ceased and economic conditions were such that they compelled citizens to return to their homes, 47% of the affected population did not return [ 17 ]. Being female, young, having children [ 18 , 19 ], and having a higher socioeconomic status [ 20 ] correlated with moving permanently from areas near the Fukushima Daiichi accident.…”

Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident

“…Following a disaster, the return of former residents is a crucial factor in the recovery of affected areas. Several key determinants affect evacuees’ decision to return to their hometowns, including a sense of attachment to their home, job obligations, presence of family members in the area [ 21 ], and a sense of anxiety regarding the risk and health effects of radiation exposure [ 22 , 23 ].…”