Planning Session Report: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives from Social Sciences and Humanities in the Management of the Recovery Process after the Fukushima Accident
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- Category: Articles
- Published: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 08:53
Michio MURAKAMI, Jacques LOCHARD, Thierry SCHNEIDER, Ryoko ANDO, Tetsuo YASUTAKA, Yumiko KANAI, Momo TAKADA, Shinko FUJII, Tomoyuki KOBAYASHI, Masaharu TSUBOKURA, Myriam MERAD, Hiroko YOSHIDA, Michiaki KAI, Michael TICHAUER
Japanese Journal of Risk Analysis 2026
Abstract
Abstract This manuscript reports on two SSH (social sciences and humanities)-focused planning sessions examining the Fukushima recovery process at the SRA-Japan 38th Annual Meeting. The first session highlighted current challenges, including the preservation of residents’ memories, addressing the needs of new migrants, managing decontaminated soil, and developing disaster evacuation policies. Emphasis was placed on resident-centered approaches and on translating lessons from past nuclear accidents into future preparedness. The second session focused on ethical considerations, stakeholder inclusivity, and the role of co-expertise process and the Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MAMCDA) in enhancing risk governance. Case studies, such as forest restoration, illustrated systemic risks affecting workers, local economies, and broader communities. These discussions demonstrate that SSH and related sciences contribute not only to knowledge accumulation but also to practical applications in policy development, resident engagement, and risk management. Moreover, lessons and experiences from earlier stages of the Fukushima recovery are informing ongoing efforts and can guide disaster preparedness and response strategies in diverse global contexts. Overall, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and practices from SSH and related disciplines is critical for socially legitimate post-disaster sustainable recovery.
Japanese Journal of Risk Analysis, 2026 Volume 35 Issue 4 Pages 197-204