Four experts from the Heritage Foundation addressed the disaster in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami one year ago, and the long-term response efforts of the Japanese government and international community with an eye towards preparing for future disasters.
In studying the response, the team identified four critical areas that affect response to a catastrophe: recovery and resiliency of critical infrastructure, environmental remediation, compensation and disaster assistance, and population resiliency.
Ed Davis, President of The Pegasus Group, a Washington-based consulting group focused on energy and environmental issues, addressed the nuclear issues that arose when the Fukushima Nuclear Plant lost control of their reactors.
Kumi Yokoe, the Senior Visiting Fellow on Japan at the Asian Studies Center of The Heritage Foundation, focused her remarks on U.S.-Japan cooperation following the disaster.
Daniel J. Kaniewski, Assistant Vice President for Homeland Security, addressed infrastructure resiliency.
Yasuhiko Iwasaki, Vice-Director-General of the Tohoku Regional Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in Japan, spoke about the Japanese reaction and relief effort. His ministry is responsible for water resources and flood control.