Intangible Heritage and Resilience in Managing Disaster Shelters: Case Study in Japan

The Great East Japan Earthquake has taught Japan many valuable lessons, one of which is the importance of preparation for disasters that can occur unpredictably and overwhelm all defences built within the limits of an anticipated threat. In the case of an excessive challenge, unexpected resources might be required. This chapter investigates one such type of resource in the context of a small town in Iwate Prefecture. Intangible heritage encompasses several types of traditional culture, including speech, rituals and movements, such as forms of interaction and festivals, beliefs and ceremonies and dance. These forms of intangible heritage are greater than just an inheritance, similarly, functioning as the foundation of a sense of community. Focusing on three disaster shelters in three districts of the coastal town of Otsuchi, the study examined links between establishing and managing disaster shelters and intangible cultural heritage resources in communities. It was found that of the three, one lacked a connection to the intangible cultural heritage related to the given district, whereas the other two had connections. Managing the shelter in the district without heritage binding the community did not go well, with an absence of desire to take responsibility or make decisions. Contrastingly, in the other shelters the interviewees often mentioned their surprise at how well everything had gone in the wake of the disaster. As the chapter argues, the continuation of traditional culture, such as local dances and festivals, may well be the key to preparing for disasters. The case studies in this study can adapt to communities around the world—cultural preservation and sustainable community disaster management plans realised by carrying on the culture and disaster management practices.