Research Report
Ⅰ. Background and Objectives
□ Background
○ On March 11th 2011, a severe earthquake, coined "Tohoku" with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter Scale, occurred in Japan. Tohoku is considered the strongest magnitude earthquake that has occurred in Japan as of this date - considered stronger than the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or that of Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995. The devastation that occurred because of Tohoku was a death toll of 14,949 persons and the disappearance of 9,893 persons.
○ Along with the aforementioned disaster, the effects of Tohoku included: a large-scale tsunami that attacked the east coast of Japan, which resulted in the destruction of many homes and lives and the nuclear power plant crisis which occurred.
○ Through the discussion of Japan's legislation for disasters, it will provide Korea with assistance in amending Korea's legal structure for disaster relief.
□ Objectives
○ The first objective of this research is to analyze the role of the nation in cases of disasters. Article 25 of the Japanese constitution secures the right to life. Therefore, it is imperative to analyze a nation's response to support persons who have been displaced by disasters.
○ To restore Japan, laws and regulations have been formulated and enacted since Tohoku and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis.
○ This research analyzes the significance of the laws and regulations established after Tohoku and discuss how these laws and regulations provide prevention mechanisms from disasters.
○ Using the research of the laws and regulations of Japan, similarities within Korea's laws and regulations is discussed.
Ⅱ. Main Contents
□ This research consists of three themes.
□ First, the laws and regulations pertaining to earthquakes.
○ In Japan, earthquakes occurs frequently because of plate tectonics. During the past 100 years, two major earthquakes included: the Great Kanto, which occurred in 1923; and the Hanshin Awaji, which occurred in 1995.
○ There are forecasts that another severe earthquake will occur in Japan within the next four years. As such, preparations to buffer the next earthquake is essential. In addition, discussions must continue and finding rescue measures is imperative.
□ Secondly, the laws and regulations of nuclear power in Japan are addressed.
○ After Tohoku in 2011, a gigantic tsunami attacked the Tohoku area of Japan. This caused the malfunction of nuclear power plants in Fukushima.
○ The abolition of nuclear power plants was not a forefront issue prior to Tohoku, with the enthusiasm from only a few members of society. After Tohoku, discussions on the abolition of nuclear power plants became a prominent issue.
○ Prior to Tohoku and the Fukushima nuclear crisis, Japan had many laws and regulations for nuclear power plants. Since these events, proliferation of supplementary laws and regulations emerged regarding nuclear power plants.
○ The main focus of this research is the laws and regulations on earthquakes and nuclear power plants established after the Tohoku in 2011.
□ Lastly, using the analysis undertaken for Japan, comparisons and differences with Korea's laws and regulations on disasters are addressed.
○ Korea will be able to obtain further insight by reviewing the analysis on the laws and regulations of Japan regarding nuclear power.
Ⅲ. Expected Effect
□ A platform is provided to further discussions on the role of nations in the case of emergencies and disasters and correspondences between governments.
□ The paper will be able to provide further discussions on the legal issues surrounding natural disaster.
□ By discussing the laws and the regulations of Japan, it will provide Korea with insight to amending disaster legislation further to fortify existing legislation.
□ In Korea, public opinions toward nuclear power plants remain positive and as such, comparison between Japan's and Korea's legislations is difficult. However, discussions in Japan provide further scenarios and suggestions which can assist Korea in the near future.