Japan’s Recovery Six Months after the Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis

In the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis that struck northeast Japan on March 11, Japan has faced multiple challenges and crises. As Japan has begun major reconstruction efforts in the affected areas, worked to regain control of damaged nuclear power plants, and carried out large-scale humanitarian relief efforts, the rest of the nation has steadily returned to normal life. Although the effects of the disaster will undoubtedly be felt for some time to come, Japan’s efforts to return to normal mark a major step toward recovery.

On September 9, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki for a keynote address on Japan’s recovery and progress over the six months since the triple disaster, highlighting that Japan is indeed open for business and travel. Ambassador Fujisaki also touched on how the administration of new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will approach the multi-faceted challenges of reconstruction.

After the program, Ambassador Fujisaki took audience questions.