Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Urban Development in Onagawacho
In March 2025, I embarked on a three-day experiential learning program that took place in Onagawacho, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. This small town, unknown to many even within Japan, was devastated during the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, but has since become a shining example of sustainable urban development and disaster recovery. The program, run by traveling educational institution Satonova University, led us around Onagawacho to meet with community leaders and observe some of the town’s unique features.
In the wake of the disaster, local elders proposed that young people should take the lead in the town’s recovery. Responding to this call, young people in their 30s became central figures in the reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of community and human connection that remain key features of Onagawacho today. We learned that many aspects of the town were designed with these themes in mind, including parking spaces for ease of access and the placement of benches and parks for community gatherings. Conversations with local residents of all ages led us to gain a deeper understanding of their attachment to the town and its unique appeal. Just through walking through the town and meeting the locals, I was able to truly experience their approach to community-based, people-centered recovery and town building.
Reconstruction from a Youth Perspective
As another part of the program, I participated in an entrepreneurship seminar run by a Spanish tile company that has been providing consistent support to recovery efforts in Onagawacho since the disaster in 2011. It was extremely inspiring to see the close bond between the business and its customers in the town, as well as to hear about how the company’s dedication to helping with the rebuilding efforts has motivated it to continue even through financial challenges. It was a unique opportunity to learn about the role of small businesses in urban development, and we even got to try our hand at making our own tiles as well.
Entrepreneurship and Urban Development
Reflections
Until now, I believed urban development was largely a symbol of power—something carried out dominantly by a select few. However, the case of Onagawacho showed a completely different model. Because the town had to be rebuilt from scratch after the earthquake, the reconstruction was not led by powerful elites but was instead shaped by the voices of individual residents.
・The town's small scale made it easier to share a common vision and communicate effectively.
・ Young people played a central role in driving the recovery, aiming for a “vibrant and sustainable town.”
・With relatively little wealth disparity, the community naturally fostered cooperation and mutual trust.
This experience reaffirmed that town building is fundamentally a democratic process, built on human relationships and collective trust.
