Japan Earthquake Project

Research on employment and labour measures in the Post-Great East Japan Earthquake recovery process

The International Labour Organization conducted in-depth research on employment, labour and livelihood recovery measures carried out by the government and civil society in Japan in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. This report presents findings from the research.

The report begins with a comparative analysis of socio-economic situations before and after the 2011 disaster. It provides a comprehensive overview of the institutional framework of recovery measures initiated by the government of Japan. It details pre-disaster employment policies which were utilized in the 2011 disaster response. The report then details post-disaster policy measures including the national programme and local-level initiatives for employment protection and livelihood recovery. The report then looks at innovative recovery efforts by private initiatives. The report concludes with lessons from Japan and recommendations on how to place employment in the centre of a reconstruction process.