Earthquake and Disaster Response in the Japanese Community: A Strengths and Community Perspective

Abstract

This article indicates that capability building in the local community and accumulation of collaborative practice experiences gained at the local community level prove effective in actual disaster response and recovery. A case study of the Japanese community is introduced to illustrate this point. The article concludes with a discussion of the role and function of social workers in the context of such a community. In terms of disaster response and recovery, one of the essential roles of social workers is to encourage local people to empower other local people, organizations, and community.

KEYWORDS:

• capability building
• catalyst
• community response
• community social work
• co-supporting relationship
• empowerment processes
• participation of local people
• self-organizing ability