The Agency's role covers: 1) planning, coordination and implementation of national policies on reconstruction, and, 2) serving as the "control tower" for coordination of reconstruction activities and cooperation with local governments.
In June 2011, as a foundation for the efforts to reconstruct and rebuild the afflicted areas, the Reconstruction Design Council – an advisory panel of intellectuals established by the Government of Japan in the immediate aftermath of the disaster – outlined a framework consisting of seven principles that will serve to guide the reconstructing process.
The framework dictates that through the reconstruction process we shall: remember and honor the lives lost in the disaster; make community-focused reconstruction the foundation of efforts towards recovery; tap into Tohoku's latent strengths; construct disaster-resilient and safe communities and a natural energy-powered region; simultaneously pursue reconstruction of the afflicted areas and revitalization of Japan's economy as a whole; seek an early resolution of the nuclear accident; and, pursue reconstruction with a spirit of the solidarity and mutual understanding. For further information, please view the full report: Towards Reconstruction- Hope beyond the Disaster.
Also in June 2011, the Basic Act on Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake was passed in the parliament of Japan. Along with details of general provisions and basic measures for reconstruction, a core component of the Act was the decision to establish the Reconstruction Agency. The Act determined that the Agency play the role of a coordinating branch of the government responsible for the rebuilding efforts and thereby support the vision outlined in the seven principles of prosperous, resilient and sustainable communities in the disaster-hit areas. The Reconstruction Agency was formally established and began operations on February 10 of 2013.
Central to the basic philosophy and vision outlined in the Act is a commitment to restoring communities that are appropriate for a modern, mid-21st Century Japan. This should be accomplished through the promotion of measures that promote a revitalized and vibrant Japan that does not limit itself to simply restoring or replacing facilities to their original state, and which provides the conditions to allow each individual to overcome the disaster and lead prosperous lives.
The Basic Act on Reconstruction was also further supplemented, by a more detailed set of Basic Guidelines for Reconstruction, published on July 29, 2011. For further information, please view the full report of Basic Guidelines for Reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
As stipulated in the Basic Guidelines, the Reconstruction Agency was established with a 10-year mission, during which shall be responsible for planning, coordination, and implementation of measures for reconstruction in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Special Zones for Reconstruction
A core component of the reconstruction strategy, as outlined in the Basic Act on Reconstruction, is the establishment of a "System of Special Zones for Reconstruction" as a vital tool to assist reconstruction efforts in the afflicted area.
The special zones system, designed reflecting the needs and requests of affected communities, offers a range of measures to support reconstruction efforts. This includes mechanisms to ensure reduced regulations and statutory procedures, such as easing eligibility requirements for public housing and granting special permits for certain business establishments. Also covered in the framework are measures to facilitate land-use restructuring and a range of tax breaks to stimulate investment and employment in the afflicted areas, as well as special grants for reconstruction projects and interest rate compensation for lenders. The special zones system provides a framework whereby additional measures can be taken on board following consultations between the Central and Local governments.
For further information please visit the "Outline of the System of Special Zones for Reconstruction" as well as details of seminars held in March and September 2012. More recent updates are also available in the latest "Current Status and Path Toward Reconstruction".
Special Measures for Fukushima
In order to respond to serious situation that has been caused by the nuclear power station accident in Fukushima, the "Act on Special Measures for the Rebirth of Fukushima" was enacted by the Diet on March 30, 2012 and was put into effect on the following day.
Based on the Act, the "Basic Guidelines for Fukushima Reconstruction and Revitalization" were decided by the Cabinet in July 2012, introducing a number of special measures aimed at tackling the various challenges relating to the return of residents to the evacuation zones. This includes special measures for reconstruction and revitalization of areas where evacuation orders have been lifted; special measures to secure a safe living environment, where residents are free from health concerns relating to radiation exposure; reconstruction and revitalization of industries affected by the nuclear disaster; and, promotion of a framework that contributes to the creation of new industries.