2-1-1 Katahira, Aobaku, Sendai 980-8577 JAPAN
Tel. 022-217-5009
URL http://www.idrrr.tohoku.ac.jp/
Issue 1 : May 2012
Issue 2 : October 2012
Issue 3 : June 2013
Issue 4 : July 2014
Issue 5 : March 2015
Issue 6 : July 2016
Issue 7 : December 2017
Issue 8 : August 2019
Issue 9 : March 2021

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action Leading the Restoration of Tohoku and the Regeneration of Japan Vol.9

Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research
Tohoku University

Tohoku University
Reconstruction Action

2011-2021

Leading the Restoration of Tohoku and the Regeneration of Japan Vol.9

Tohoku University
Reconstruction Action

2011-2021
Leading the Restoration of Tohoku
and the Regeneration of Japan Vol.9

We can’t even remember what we thought that day.
Fate seemed unavoidable, but it did not mean we would stop.

Everybody had the need to support somebody.
Even if it was just out of defiance.

Before we knew it, there was a path behind us.

And looking back,Looking at what we learned.
Looking at what we can leave for the future.
We can’t change what happened.
Because there was a lesson.
Because there was a connection.
We do not let that day just be “that day”.

We believe in the wisdomthat comes from 10 years.
And we believe in the future.
002

Contents
Message from the President
Message from the Director
Status after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Main projects for recovery and reconstruction
The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

004
006
008
016
022

Tohoku University Priority Projects
Project 01: International Research Project on Disaster Science
038
Project 02: Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care・ Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine 052
・ Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
062
Project 03: Project for Environmental Energy
074
Project 04: ICT Reconstruction Project084
Project 05: Tohoku Marine Science Project096
Project 06: Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project・Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning 106
・Technology for Decontaminating the Environment
112
・Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals
120
Project 07: Regional Industries Restoration Support Project・ Regional Innovation Research Center
128
・Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction
136
Project 08: Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction 144
Tohoku University Member’s Projects
Reconstruction Action 100+Contributions to Reconstruction Planning
Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future
Special Message“Tohoku University Leads the Way” by Makiko Uchidate

158
182
188
198

003

Message from the President

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Leadingreconstruction
andsupporting
communities
throughco-creation

22nd Tohoku University President

Hideo Ohno
Tohoku University President since 2018 after steps
as Assistant Professor at Hokkaido University,
Professor at Tohoku University and Director of the
Research Institute of Electrical Communication.
Specialization in semiconductor physics andspintronics.

Community co-creation is the identity of Tohoku University.
We have to think of a resilient society 10 years, 20 years in the future.
Our achievements of the last 10 years are essential when dealing with current societal changes.

Since the foundation in 1907, Tohoku
University has uphold the principles‘Research First’, ‘Open Door’ and ‘PracticeOrientation’ to educate future leaders,
excel in research and help communities
both at home and overseas. The Great East
Japan Earthquake which hit the region on
March 11, 2011, had a huge impact on theuniversity.

Looking back at the disaster
Immediately after the disaster, our members
initiated more than 100 Reconstruction Action
projects to help recovery of the affected
communities. In April 2011 Tohoku University
established the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research004

as a university wide organization to oversee
critical projects. It was a weird feeling tofocus on research in dire times. But looking
back, it was an important and necessary stepfor our university to contribute to disasterrecovery and establish means for long term
community support through our research.
We got much support from the government,
regional municipalities, other universities aswell as private companies. And the question
was: How do we respond to the support
and give back to the communities. The
establishment of the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Researchand helping communities through our
research outcomes was an important decision
we made. Three years ago, it was my turn tolead the university and we made it 10 years

after the disaster. Although there is a feelingof ‘we have come this far’, we also know that
there is still a lot of work ahead of us.

As a comprehensive university
in the disaster stricken region
When we first saw the magnitude of thedisaster, it was obvious that the expertiseand knowledge of a single individual ora single discipline would not be enough.
We had to gather and collaborate withother researchers, regional companies, theprivate sector, government and even theinternational community. Because university
members lean towards focusing on one
specific research area, there is the tendency
to create silos. But to properly respondto events like the 3.11 disaster, we had to
combine our forces across many different
sectors. That was the one experience
everybody made and this understanding
formed our future actions. As a result wewere able to continue our research andactions in fields like disaster science,next-generation medicine or nuclear
decommissioning, where a more wider,
general approach is necessary.
This experience also shaped our responseto the current COVID-19 crisis. From thevery beginning, we acted quickly and formed
emergency action plans, something welearned from the disaster 10 years ago.
The newly established Center for Key
Interdisciplinary Research ‘System Design ofInclusive Society with Infectious Diseases’
combines knowledge from life science andmedicine as well as a social sciences aspect
how humanity has dealt with infectious
diseases in the past. The interdisciplinary
perspective provides a better view of thewhole picture and more ways to come up
with solutions.
Another point we have to keep in mind ismental health care. After the 3.11 disaster,
we also focused on training and nurturing‘Interfaith Chaplains’, who will not only
provide mental health care for survivorsof the disaster but can also help people
in communities requiring mental support.
The role of ‘Interfaith Chaplains’ will be
increasingly important, when we think about
supporting people lose their loved ones orare in pain. This includes patients currently
affected by COVID as well as their families
and also medical staff who have to deal withdifficult situations on a daily basis.
As an international project, we are currently
establishing a ‘Disaster Risk Reduction ISO’,
which will provide international standards fordisaster mitigation and risk reduction. The
ISO shows objective indicators to society
for the disaster readiness, which utilizes
the knowledge we accumulated to protect
communities all over the world from future
events similar to the Great East Japan
Earthquake and beyond.
Furthermore, the seven national universitiesof Tohoku cooperated to establish the Next
Generation Synchrotron Radiation Facility inpublic-private collaboration. The facility will
present new opportunities for international
research exchange and contributes greatly
not only to the communities in the area but
also to academic and industry collaborations
both in Japan and overseas.
Thinking about ten, twenty years in the
future, our actions do not simply stop withthe recovery and restoration of the region,
but are just the beginning for further projects
aimed at community support to improve thewell-being of the people around the world.

Our identity as a university
supporting communities
After the Great East Japan Earthquake,
we focused even more on ‘co-creation’together with the community. ‘Contributing
to society’ was already an important taskof our university before the earthquake
together with ‘education’ and ‘research’.
But ‘co-creating’ a future together with thecommunity for the community implied a moreinteractive engagement. All current projects
are future oriented and our reconstruction
actions as well as the wider ‘Researchwith Social Impact’ has the common
idea of supporting and collaborating with
communities. That is why we were able tocontinue our efforts for more than 10 years.
In June 2017, we were selected as oneof the first three Designated National
Universities by MEXT. During the process,our performance in Disaster Science andNext Generation Medicine received special
attention. It is a sign that communities
value our contributions and support. After
I took over as president, we establishedthe Tohoku University Vision 2030 as wellas the Connected University Initiative tofurther promote co-creative actions with
communities. In order to dynamicallyconnect to communities and the world,
we need an even more free and flexible
approach to collaboration. During the COVID
crisis it is our duty to build bridges andovercome disparities in a borderless andinclusive way.
Our university was founded with thehelp and support of the community. We
are well aware of the debt we owe society
for creating our academic community. It
is therefore our turn to give back and help
communities in these difficult times.

New challenges
10 years is a long time. People and communities
change. In recent years, impacts of climatechange such as heavy rain disasters andlarge typhoons are becoming more frequent.
The current pandemic is also a disasterheavily affecting communities. And it is anunfortunate fact, that we will not be able toentirely avoid future disasters. But we will beable to create a resilient society by advancing
our actions such as carbon neutrality. We
have to make sure we are prepared for
future, unseen threats and create disasterready communities. Since there is no clear
goal for a ‘resilient society’, it is our duty
to constantly update and upgrade life incommunities so everybody can survive future
events. This is not only an issue that impacts
the everyday life of people, but is connectedto the fundamental structure of nations aswell as the way international collaborations
work. Japan, with the experience of hugedisasters, has to play a major role and Tohoku
University’s knowledge will certainly be avaluable part in future improvements.
Our Reconstruction Actions as well as
Research with Social Impact are just someexamples of our activities in the last 10
years. They are all in line with the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
estab l i shed i n 2015, the S ustai nabl e
Development Goals by the UN as well as
the Paris Agreement and have similarities
to the Green Recovery or Great Resetcurrently discussed as response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Since our actions havecome to address these issues in line withinternational communities independently,
we have even more the confidence andpreparedness to support the global society.
We will continue our actions to improve
everyday life in the communities with our
Green Goals Initiative and aim to realize ouridea of a resilient and carbon free societythat fosters people's well-being.
The lessons and knowledge we gathered
after the Great East Japan Earthquake incollaboration with the people will be an
essential part of our university. And wewelcome everybody to join us in creating aresilient and green future for all.

005

Message from the Director

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Reconstruction
Actions
that changed
TohokuUniversity
Tohoku University Executive Vice
President for Outreach Activity and
Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Director of the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration
Research

Nobuyoshi Hara
Executive Vice President for Outreach Activity
and Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction since
2018 after steps as Professor at Tohoku University
and Executive Vice President for Earthquake
Disaster Reconstruction. Director of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration
Research as of 2016. Specialization in corrosion
protection and surface treatment engineering.

Reconstruction Actions were born from our honest wish to help and support communities.
Collaboration with society is part of Tohoku University’s identity.
Our philosophy to help people in need has not changed and is always a major driving force when thinking about the future.
At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake
I was at the School of Engineering at Aobayama
Campus. It was one of the most damaged placesat Tohoku University and the building with mylaboratory was considered unsafe to enter. As
deputy dean, I was involved in our school’s recovery
and our own reconstruction projects. We had tofocus on the things in front of us first, but when wevisited disaster stricken areas, it became obviousthat regional recovery was necessary and important.
Looking back at university wide actions
during that time, the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research wasestablished one month after the disaster andPresident Inoue and Vice President Kitamura
swiftly introduced key reconstruction actions. At
that time the university president also held thepost of director of the institute, which shows
the importance of the projects to us. Disasterrecovery became a historical mission of our

006

university. The fundamental idea was ‘creative
reconstruction’, which did not stop by justrecovering from the earthquake, but contributing
to the life in affected communities and creating
an even better everyday life for the people.
In April the year after the disaster, President
Satomi was inaugurated and I became theexecutive vice president for earthquake disasterreconstruction and after being the director of theinstitute as of 2016. Although my contributions
started in the School of Engineering, the desire
to support reconstruction actions did not change
and our goals were very challenging.

Promoting 8 major projects forreconstruction
The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research promoted 8 priority
projects as its main pillars. The first was theInternational Research Project on Disaster
Science. One of the lessons we learned fromthe Great East Japan Earthquake was how illequipped we were in face of huge, complex
disasters. We had to further expand disasterscience research and connect the results andoutcomes to real, practical solutions for disasterrisk reduction and mitigation. The International
Research Institute of Disaster Science
was established as a unique place where
researchers from humanities, engineering,science and medicine could gather and discussinterdisciplinary options to create one-of-a-kindsolutions. The results would not only improvedisaster readiness in communities both at homeand overseas, but also create a new industry
in disaster risk reduction. Especially in field of
infectious diseases, we have major contributions
related to the current COVID-19 crisis. The
second was the Project for the Reconstructionof Community Health Care. The earthquake wasa critical blow to the region of Tohoku which
was underpopulated with medical staff to begin
with. In order to reestablish community healthcare, we created the Comprehensive Education
Center for Community Medicine and the Tohoku
Medical Megabank Organization, which provided
new technology such as digital medical records,
deployed young doctors to disaster-affected
hospitals and provided community medical
stuffs with opportunities to receive cutting edge
training at the Clinical Skills Lab. The largescaled cohort study also contributed to the healthcare of people in communities and led to theestablishment of the integrated biobank. With
the support of the communities we were able
to greatly advance Next Generation Medicine.
Recently, we also started to provide ECMO
training for the treatment of COVID patients. The
third Project for Environmental Energy as wellas the fourth ICT Reconstruction Project were
established as a response to the weak electricalinfrastructure and ICT environment that had to berestored and improved quickly. Energy production
had to be matched with the characteristics andconsumption of the region and we promoted new
R&D as well as disaster resilient ICT technology
and systems. The fifth Tohoku Marine Science
Project looked at the marine ecosystem andutilized scientific findings to restore and improve
the fishery industry. The sixth was the Nuclear
Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration
Project. Nuclear decommissioning was a topic
originally not included in our activities, but withthe establishment of the Center for Fundamental
Research on Nuclear Decommissioning in 2016
we created the basis for important scientificresearch and education of experts who will
acquire necessary skills to perform the difficult
tasks related to nuclear decommissioning.
The seventh Regional Industries Restoration
Support Project and the eighth IndustryAcademia Collaboration Development Projectfor Reconstruction both aimed at the recovery of
the industry and new ways to educate and train
people. We accumulated important knowledge for
future business managers and provided necessary
training for agricultural recovery. Additionally,
we improved our way to handle public-private
collaborations for further practical applications of
our research results. As a result, disaster stricken
corporations had the opportunity to improve their
management, develop new products and evenestablish new industries.

Reconstruction Action 100+ bornfrom individual support activitiesof our members
Immediately after the earthquake manymembers started their own support projects andhelped communities, even when they were in adifficult situation themselves. Emergency support
actions at disaster areas, emergency health care
support at the hospital, information communicationand transmission of the actual situation regarding
the earthquake and the tsunami and radiation
monitoring or the deployment of disaster response
robots to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power
plant were just some of the actions which weredone individually to provide important support.
Looking at the magnitude of the disaster, manymembers might have had the feeling that they too

Looking back 10 years, ‘There was no clear goal.
We just kept running.’

had to do something to help communities. This
became the basis for what was to be known as‘Reconstruction Action 100 +’.
The individual projects involved a wide varietyof actions, from community support to industry
recovery as well as maintenance of social andinformation infrastructure. Especially Interfaith
Chaplains who supported mental health care ofdisaster victims contributed to unique actions
which soon spread across country. We alsoestablished official certificates so chaplains canact as caregivers for terminally ill patients. Thisis something which would probably not havebeen possible at any other university.
Looking back at that time, the spirit to help
others and support communities is the essence
and identity of our university.

The disaster as opportunity to reconceptualize the own identity
The Great East Japan Earthquake was a disaster
where a lot was lost. But we also gained much in
the 10 years after. Re-conceptualizing our identity
as a university collaborating with communities is
one aspect.
Tohoku University was founded with considerable
support of local communities and the private sector.

As a result, we have the realization, the essence
that we have to give back and support communities
and society as much as possible. Being helped
again by many people after the disaster 10 years
ago strengthened the feeling of gratitude and theneed to support others even more.

In 2015 we advanced the reconstruction actions
to also address global issues of communities world
wide and established Research with Social Impact,
30 projects aimed to create a better future foreverybody. In the beginning, the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research focused
mainly on reconstruction and recovery. Our attention
was not really long-term oriented and future aspects
came too short. Research with Social Impact
included not only our experience and knowledge
from the disaster but also aspects important for
future sustainability and disaster readiness.
The Tohoku University Vision 2030 from 2018accelerated the approach and the Connected
University Initiative focused even further on bridgebuilding and co-creation with society.
The re-conceptualization of our identity asuniversity collaborating with society was very
important for the next steps we took. That is
because university actions only show their true value
when the results are implemented practically andactually help communities. Outcomes have to justfloat around in closed academic spaces, but should
be given back to society. It seems very obvious, but
strongly realizing our connection to local and global
communities was an important result of the disaster
experience. History is still in the making, but wemight even state that Tohoku University evolved
after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Toward a better future for all
Thinking about the next 10, 20 years, ouractions should not just stay the same. The
multiple Reconstruction Actions have given us
many opportunities to collaborate with others andstrengthen the way we approach unknown issues
to create unique solutions for a better future.
But we also have to design that future and think
about further steps to take so communities can beprosperous and life for the people will improve.
10 years after the disaster, we are now facedwith the COVID-19 crisis and more frequent
natural disasters. The Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, Sustainable
Development Goals as well as the Paris
Agreement are all global actions we contribute
to. And then there are the challenges such as
Disaster Readiness ISO as international standard
and the realization of carbon free communities.
The challenges are endless. And Tohoku
University will continue to restore communities
and create a new, more improved environment tosupport people all over the world.

007

Status after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

2011. 3.11

Reference:
Fire and Disaster Management Agency: “About the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (Report No.160)”
Geospatial Information Authority “About the Tsunami inundation area (Report No. 5)”
Fire and Disaster Management Agency “Archives of the Great East Japan Earthquake”

Photo:008
International Research Institute of Disaster Science “Michinoku Shinrokuden Digital Archive”

The Great East Japan
Earthquake

Sanriku Coast (38.1 degrees North, 142.9 degrees East) 24km depth
Magnitude 9.0
Maximum seismic intensity 7 (Kurihara City, Miyagi)
Tsunami incursion on the Pacific Coast (maximum height 12m, maximum run-up 40m)
Tsunami inundation area 561㎢
330 Fire
19,729 Deaths
2,559 Missing
6,233 Injured
Totally & partially destroyed buildings 404,937
Accident at the nuclear power plant
Ca. 470,000 Evacuees (March 14, 2011)

Epicenter009

Status after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Damages at
Tohoku University

010

Loss of lives
3 students dead (by tsunami)
14 students injured
Building damages
Ca. 30 B JPY (27 partial & 3 total reconstructions)
Research facilities
Damages worth ca. 26.9B JPY
Student housings
640 students affected by partial & total damages
Others1 million books scattered & damaged (University
Library)
Melting of research samples due to long-lasting
blackout
Dead livestock due to water and gas outage
Water damages to materials due to leaks inbuildings
Increased number of student consultations related
to the earthquake, etc.

011

Status after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

What happened on 3.11
Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear Power Plant Accident
・・・Double & Triple Damages
On March 11, 2011, at 14:46, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake with

Tohoku University’s Situation
Even under devastating conditions and although someepicentral area off the coast of Iwate to Ibaraki occurred andfacilities and laboratories were damaged, Tohoku University

the earthquake, a tsunami incurred large areas of the pacificthe recovery and reconstruction of the region.

strong tremors continued for ca. 3 minutes. 30-60 minutes after

speedily recovered, and started various activities to contribute tocoast line from Aomori to Chiba. Some points recorded a run-

In March immediately after the earthquake, the Research

up height of over 40m and the coastal region was severely

Center for Disaster Prevention started investigations anddue to the earthquake and tsunami, cutting all power supply. As

Reconstruction and Regeneration Research” was established,devastated. In Fukushima, a nuclear power plant was damaged

research activities, and in April the “Institute for Disastera result, the cooling system failed, leading to a meltdown of theinterdisciplinary research and investigations regarding various

nuclear reactor.

issues and problems. Simultaneously, individual departments

According to the Tohoku University Research Center for

started projects to support regeneration and restoration

Prediction of Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions, a fault close

The Research Center for Disaster Risk Reduction organized debriefings
in April, June, and September 2011 as well as March 2012, marking“One Month”, “Three Months”, “Six Months”, and “One Year” after theCatastrophe, communicating reports of investigations and research
results. At the “One Year” debriefing, the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science was established, and international research
in Disaster Science was announced in a joint declaration.

activities, as well as volunteer activities of students.

to the Japan Trench shifted over 50m, leading to a 10m shift

In 2001 Prof. Koji Minoura actually published an article titledof an area off the coast of Miyagi, resulting in the catastrophic“Tsunami Disasters will be Repeated”, analyzing the Sanriku

earthquake.

earthquake and resulting tsunami in 868, and predicting the highprobability of a tsunami (Tohoku University Journal “Manabi noMori” Summer Edition 2001). The catastrophe 2011 unfortunately
made it evident, that such research results were not properly
shared with the entire community.

The question became: What can the knowledge of a university

Destruction due to the earthquake and tsunami resulted

do with respect to regeneration and reconstruction after anin 19,729 deaths, 2,559 missing persons, and 404,937 totally

earthquake, and what preventive and mitigating measures could

or partially destroyed buildings (see “About the 2011 Greatbe introduced. What can Tohoku University do, as the only

East Japan Earthquake (Report No. 160)” Fire and Disastercomprehensive university in the world, experiencing this kind ofManagement Agency). Furthermore, due to addition of thenuclear power plant accident, the number of evacuees rose to470,000 people 3 days after the disaster.

Because of the scattering of radioactive materials from thenuclear power plant, the health of residents in East Japan was amajor concern, also leading to sales restrictions of agricultural
products, damaging the primary sector of the economy.

The calm and principled behavior of disaster victims within

this unprecedented crisis was praised by the international

Student volunteers of the “Tohoku University Regional Reconstruction
Project “HARU”” are preserving cultural treasures.

disaster? Let’s support the renewal of Japan through creation of
The Japanese archipelago is located in the area where the four plates,
the North American plate and the Eurasian plate (continental plates),
the Pacific plate, and the Philippine Sea plate (oceanic plates) meet.
There are many earthquakes occurring in various places such as theinland area due to the accumulated strain. Furthermore, the boundary
between the subducting oceanic plates and the continental plates isdivided into two types: the fixed part (asperity) and the part slowly
sliding without stopping. The stress due to the tectonic motion becomesasperity leading to earthquakes when reaching the limit.

new values and contribute to society by solving issues related
to disaster regeneration. ... All efforts of Tohoku University
regarding reconstruction activities have this common goal.

community. However, the weaknesses of the social fundament
regarding disaster risk reduction and security became obvious,

exceeding all assumptions concerning disaster scale, damaging
core functionalities of major cities.

012

Immediately after the earthquake, the Tohoku
University Hospital accepted patients incollaboration with disaster affected towns
and villages. Details are described in “Lives
Saved by the Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital,
the Kesennuma Hospital and the Tohoku
University Hospital” (Aspect)013

Interviews

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Swift response of the Tohoku University Hospital immediately after the earthquake
and important support to regional medical care.
As important projects for recovery and reconstruction across many fields as
Tohoku University President.

Promotingresearch
for thecommunity

At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Supporting
communities via
university
actions

Coordinating recovery actions immediately after
the earthquake. Meetings were organized in themorning and late afternoon.

Vice President（2006-2012）

Major contributions for the recovery of the university’s education and researchfoundation at the time of the disaster.
Close collaboration with university members and the government to establish theInstitute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research as well as theInternational Research Institute of Disaster Science one year after the earthquake.
On March 11, I was in Tokyo for official
business when I felt the tremors. At first, there
was no phone connection and it was difficult toeven begin appropriate disaster response actions.

It was noon two days after the event, when
I finally got back to Sendai. To get a grasp of
the situation, I visited all campuses. In manycases the ceilings of research buildings felldown, pillars and walls had huge cracks and it
was obvious that full restorations were required.
There was also a lot of damaged researchequipment. Looking at the impact of the disasterwe knew that we had to act quickly to recoveras soon as possible. During the meetings,
faculty and staff members from all departments
participated to get our campus back to normal.
As a result it was also possible to receive
support from the government and we secured
emergency funding to proceed with recovery
and reconstruction actions.

Tohoku Universit y had the dut y as acomprehensive university in the centerof the disaster area to support regional
communities with interdisciplinary research
and we established the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research in
April 2011 as well as the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science one year later.
These organizations and research activities
are real treasures of the university and it isimportant that we continue our collaboration
with the community to promote disaster science.
Tohoku University has to maintain andincrease further research capabilities tobe present when it is our turn to support
communities. Students should challenge newacademic ideas and reach out to different kindsof areas. Continuous research and community
collaboration will always be an important way
for the university to grow.

20th Tohoku University President

Akihisa Inoue
Tohoku University President (2006-2012) after steps
as Professor and Director at the Institute for Materials
Research, Advisor to the president of Tohoku University
and Vice President at Tohoku University. Specializationin Materials Science and Non-Equilibrium Materials.

014

Discussions with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology. Similarities of government anduniversity strategies made early emergency funding possible.

Yukihisa Kitamura
Vice President at Tohoku University (2006-2012) after
steps at MEXT, University of Tokyo, Hitotsubashi
University and Tohoku University.

The Great East Japan Earthquake brought
devastating damages to the region of Tohoku. The
impact on Tohoku University was severe and we were
desperately gathering necessary information for the
first recovery steps.
In April 2011 we could establish the Institute forDisaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research
as a university wide organization. We wanted to makea statement that we will reinforce our education andresearch to support communities and not just aim fora simple recovery after the disaster, why we included
words like ‘research’ and ‘regeneration’.
It has been 10 years since. In terms of disasterreconstruction, I believe Tohoku University was
successful in showing its uniqueness and supporting
communities. Based on the concept as ‘Connected
University’ it is still important to further demonstrate
the university's presence to the local and global
communities. The current COVID crisis changed
fundamental structures of society and it is no longer
possible to simply act ‘as before’. Education andresearch changed and the university has to find
new ways to create and communicate important
outcomes to the community. It is also important thatstudents are aware of how they can change the worldin these uncertain times. With the reconstruction,
the hardware was established and improved, but
how things will be operated and how the region willdevelop further depends on the next generationof thinkers and leaders. I am convinced, Tohoku
University’s students have the necessary potential
and will find a way to further improve our living.

succeeded President Inoue in 2012, everybody

I was on the 10th floor of the clinical laboratories

focused on recovery and restoration and webuilding as Director of the University Hospital. The

all had the one goal: The restoration of Tohoku

tremors were a horrifying experience. The disasterand the regeneration of Japan. With thewas more than anything I imagined, but at thereconstruction, we also established organizations

University Hospital we had regular training expecting

like the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organizationa huge earthquake, so we were able to establish aand the International Research Institute ofcountermeasures headquarter on the fourth floor

Disaster Science and it is very encouraging toof the hospital just 20 minutes after the event andsee research results of Tohoku University in thestarted gathering important information. Luckily

media in recent years. All these actions of Tohoku

none of the patients lost their lives and I still can

University are a treasure others do not possess.

vividly recall the relief I felt. But soon after, we got

Of course, results do not come instantaneously.

the news of the devastating situation in the coastal

Using this unique treasure, we can become aareas. We knew our colleagues were doing their

university that supports and collaborates not only

best in regional hospitals, so we decided to forgetwith regional but global communities. The current

about our individual specialization and preferences.

COVID-19 pandemic comes with major changes to

We would simply do our best as doctors to help

society and the way we see things. It is important

21st Tohoku University President

patients in need. It was of utmost importance toto create value and structures that lead to peace

Susumu Satomi

not exhaust the capabilities of hospitals at the front

and prosperity of everybody by not only using

line. And we focused on supporting them as muchnew technology but comprehensive wisdom and21st Tohoku University President (2012-2018) after
steps as Professor at Tohoku University and Directorof the Tohoku University Hospital. Specialization intransplant surgery.

knowledge that come from academic activities.

as possible, without intervening unnecessarily.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake

I am sure, Tohoku University will be that place

Tohoku University’s position and role within

where people get necessary skills and training toour communities became very clear. When I

become these kinds of future leaders.

Toward a leading
university with
10 years worth oftreasures

015

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction
An outline of Tohoku University s actions to lead the restoration of Tohoku and the regeneration of Japan.

2011.

2012

03.11

03.15

04.25

06.07

07.16

The Great East Japan
Earthquake at 14:46

Web page for emergency
contacts

Oﬃce for Tohoku University
Volunteers Disaster Support

Est. Headquarters for
Disaster Countermeasures

Tohoku University activity
announcement & partial
resumption of lectures

03.24

Tohoku University President
Akihisa Inoue and U.S.
Ambassador John V. Roos
exchange thoughts on thedevelopment of regenerative
activities

03.12
Accepting patients at the
Tohoku University Hospitalfrom the disaster stricken
areas“Tohoku University Regional
Restoration Project ʻHARUʼ”established by volunteers of
Tohoku University

04.01
Establishing the ResearchCenter for Disaster Recovery

03.13
Emergency damage
assessment of Tohoku
Universityʼ s facilities

Initiation of the Investigative
Research Project for
Regional Industry
Regeneration

03.14

04.05

The Tohoku University
Hospital dispatched medical
staﬀ to the disaster stricken
area, including theIshinomaki Red Cross
Hospital, the Kesennuma
Hospital, and the Ishinomaki
area together with supplies
and medical equipment

Web page for disastersupport by Tohoku University
student volunteers

Lifeline restoration within
the universityʼs perimeters

Emergency debrieﬁng
3 months after the Great
East Japan Earthquake

04.27

06.24

Establishment of theInstitute for Disaster
Reconstruction andRegeneration Research

Dispatch of the rescue robot“Quince” to the Fukushima
nuclear power plant

05.01
Establishment of the Centerfor Community Health Careat the School of Medicine

05.06

04.13
Emergency debrieﬁng
1 month after the Great East
Japan Earthquake

08.01
Evaluation of Radiation
Eﬀects on Animals

07.01

Entrance ceremony at eachfaculty and graduate school

Termination of all lectures andconferment ceremonies, aswell as press release
regarding entry examinations,freshmen admission, andadmission ceremonies

016

06.10

04.26

Organization of 7 priority
projects by institutes
Tohoku University
Restauration PR Campaign“Striding Forward ‒ Tohoku
University”(〜March 31, 2012)08.02
Tohoku University President
Akihisa Inoue and German
Ambassador Volker Stanzel
exchange thoughts

09.13
Emergency debrieﬁng 6months after the Great East
Japan Earthquake

09.21
Special session with Akira
Ikegami “Starting over fromJapanʼs ʻsecond ruinsʼ ‒Issues which cannot be
postponed”

05.09
Reopening classes

10.22

11.17

Green energy researchdevelopment symposium
toward the regeneration of
TohokuEstablishment of theComprehensive Education
Center for Community
Medicine

10.23

11.22

01.19

Collaboration Agreement ofKobe University andDisaster Science
Laboratories of Tohoku
University

Collaboration agreementwith IBM Japan(Risk assessment of megaearthquakes & tsunamis)

Collaboration agreement
between the National
Institute of Information andCommunication Technology
and Tohoku University

12.11

10.24
UN Day @ Tohoku University“Recovery and Regenerationfrom the Great East Japan
Earthquake ‒ Messages
from Tohoku to the World”

10.27
International Symposium“Regeneration and Recovery
after the Catastrophe”

11.10

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio
R. Villaraigosa visits Tohoku
University and exchanges
thoughts with President
Inoue on the “TOMODACHIFund” as well as
collaborative activities
regarding disaster recovery.

12.21
Establishment of the“Tohoku University ʻStriving
Forwardʼ Scholarship”

2011.03.24

2011.03.12

2011.03.14

2011.06.24

2011.07.01

2011.09.21

Establishment of the Tohoku
Medical Megabank
Organization

03.11
Disaster Experience
Memories Toshinroku“Listening and Writing theDisaster Experience ‒ The
3.11. Experience from theEyes of 90 Tohoku
Universityʼs Members”

Spirit of Tohoku University
2011.3.11
One-year memorial
symposium of the Great East
Japan Earthquake “Disaster
Recovery and Social
Businesses”

Establishment of the
Research Organization ofElectrical Communication

2011.03.14

02.01

Debrieﬁng 1 year after theGreat East Japan
Earthquake by Tohoku
University

Joint research agreementwith Sendai City and
Tsukuba University
regarding alga biomass

10.01

2011.03.11

01.01

Disaster risk reduction
symposium “What kind of
Earthquake was the Great
East Japan Earthquake 2011?”

2011.10.23

2011.10.24

2012.01.19

017

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction

2012

2013

2014

04.01

10.16

02.11

03.27

Establishment of theInternational ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science

Comprehensive collaborationagreement with the Japan
Agency for Marine-Earth
Science and Technology(JAMSTEC)

NHK regeneration support “ʼToward Tomorrowʼ atTohoku University”

Cooperation agreementwith the Tohoku University
Consumersʼ co-operative
regarding mutual support incases of disasters

Installment of the Resilient
ICT Research Center within
the Research Organization ofElectrical Communication

05.23
Opening ceremony of theInternational ResearchInstitute of Disaster Scienceand joint declaration withnational and international
collaborating organizations

06.01
Relocation of the Tohoku
University Clinical Skills
Laboratory

06.19
Reorganization of the
7 priority projects by theinstitutes into 8 projects
with the amendment of“Project for the
Decontamination ofRadioactive Materials”

12.01
Establishment of theTechnological ResearchCenter for Early Living
Environment Recovery

12.10
Opening the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization
Community Support Center
in Ishinomaki

12.13
Opening the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization
Community Support Centerin Kesennuma

02.14
Opening the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization
Community Support Centerin Iwanuma

02.22
Michael Sandel Special
Classroom@ Tohoku University“Letʼs Talk about Restauration”

02.25
Establishment of theDisaster Management
Promotion Oﬃce

03.09
Symposium of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research“Toward ʻLeading theReconstruction of Japanʼ”

2015
07.29

09.02

Symposium of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research“Toward ʻLeading
Reconstruction of Tohoku
and Rebirth of Japanʼ”Completion ceremony for the
Tohoku Medical Megabank
Organization facilities

Opening ceremony of theMaterial Solutions Center

04.25
Cooperation Agreement of
the 7 national universities in
the Tohoku region in casesof disasters

03.28
Collaborative cooperationagreement of Tohoku
University with the Japan
Atomic Energy Agency

05.01
04.01

Cooperation agreement of
Tohoku University and Iwate
Medical University regarding
collaboration with respect to
the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization

Establishment of the Tohoku
Agricultural Science Center
for Reconstruction

05.16

Disaster Mitigation Pocket ‒the “YUI” Project

Opening the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization
Community Support Centerin Tagajo

07.01
Adoption of a project by the
School of Engineering to the
Qatar fund

03.14

03.09

04.25

06.03
Ceremony of the U.S.
Prudential Foundationʼsannouncement for ﬁnancial
support of Regional
Innovation Producer School
graduates

10.01

07.30
Opening ceremony of the
Tohoku Qatar Science
Campus Hall
Reconstruction of the
Graduate School of
Agricultural Science Field
Science Center(Onagawa Field Center)

Installment of the Safety
Conﬁrmation System

11.10
Completion ceremony for
the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster
Science facilities

The 3rd UN World
Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction (〜March 18)

03.15
Reconstruction Symposium“Messages from Tohoku
University 〜 Connecting the
Lesson from the Disaster tothe Future”

04.01
Establishment of the Global
Center for Disaster Statistics

08.20
10.14

Tohoku Universityʼs“Fundamental Research andCore HR Education Programfor Decommission of Nuclear
Reactors, Maintenance ofStructural Building Integrity,
and Disposal of Nuclear
Waste” was selected by theFundamental Research and
HR Education Project for
Safe Decommission and
Related Measures

Publication of “After theThird World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction 〜
Ongoing Projects of Tohoku
University”

11.05
Establishment of a Tohoku
University Venture“Tohoku Magnet Institute”

2014.11.10

10.01
Publication of“Tohoku University Recordsof the Great East Japan
Earthquake”

2013.02.11

2012.03.11

018

2012.05.23

2013.02.22

2013.03.09

2013.04.25

2014.03.09

2015.03.14

2015.10.14

2013.05.01

2014.07.30

2015.03.15

2015.11.05

019

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Main projects for recovery and reconstruction

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020
02.10

09.17

Administrative Vice-Minister
Teturo Suemune from theReconstruction Agency visits
Tohoku University

Second Online Symposium“Living with Being Alive”

03.01

04.16

03.09

02.02

09.06

01.03

Establishment of a disasterprevention and business
continuity plan

Start emergency
investigation of the
Kumamoto Earthquake

Symposium of the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration
Research “The Power of the Next
Generation 〜 Creating the Future”

Disaster Reconstruction andRegeneration Symposium“Leading Disaster Recovery
through Creation and Reforms”

Investigation and recovery
support after the Iburi
earthquake in eastern
Hokkaido

Investigation and recovery
support after the earthquake
in Kumamoto

06.02

03.08
Symposium of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research“Toward the future - 5 Years
after the Great East Japan
Earthquake”

04.01
Reviewing regulations toincrease functionality of theinstituteInauguration of Executive
Vice President for Earthquake
Disaster Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara as director
Establishment of the
Research Center for
Remediation
Engineering of Living
Environment Contaminatedwith Radioisotopes

Establishment of a Steering
Committee

12.01
Establishment of the Center
for Fundamental Researchon Nuclear Decommissioning

06.30
Selection as DesignatedNational University Corporation
Establishment of leading
research activities at the Core
Research Cluster with Disaster
Science as one of its four pillars

07.05
Investigation and recovery support
after the storm in northern Kyushu

02.06

09.28

Investigation and recovery
support after the earthquake
in Taiwan

Investigation and recovery
support after the Sulawesi
earthquake in Indonesia

06.18

11.27

Investigation and recovery
support after the earthquake
in northern Osaka

Announcing the “Tohoku
University Vision 2030” inorder to clarify theuniversityʼs mission until
2030 for disaster recovery
and a sustainable future.

06.28

09.08
Investigation and recovery support
after the earthquake in Mexico

02.13

Investigation and recovery
support after the storm inwestern Japan

09.11
Partially reorganizing projects of
the Reconstruction Action 100+
including the Center for
Fundamental Research on Nuclear
Decommissioning and the Tohoku
Agricultural Science Center for
Reconstruction as part of Tohoku
University Priority Projects

Symposium of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research“In Collaboration withSociety - The Importance ofDisaster Risk Reduction”

03.10
Symposium of the Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research“Lessons from the Disaster Toward Future Personalized
Medicine” postponed.

06.18
07.01

10.15
General Director Kaide
Hideyuki from theReconstruction Agency visits
Tohoku University

11.18
Executive Vice President for
Outreach Activity and
Earthquake Disaster
Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara speaks at
the “Miyagi Reconstruction
Collaboration Forum”

Investigation and recovery
support after the earthquakein Yamagata

Starting “Lessons from 3.11
- Toward the Future”

10.12

07.03

Investigation and recovery
support in eastern Japan after
the 2019 Typhoon No 19.

12.09

Investigation and recovery
support after the 2020 storm.

Minister of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology Koichi Hagiuda
visits Tohoku University

07.22

11.09
Second “World Bosai Forum /International Disaster Risk
Reduction Conference in
Sendai”（〜November 12）

First Online Symposium“Living with Disasters”

11.25
First “World Bosai Forum /International Disaster Risk
Reduction Conference in
Sendai”（〜 November 28）

2017.06.30

2016.03.08

020

2017.11.25

2018.02.02

2018.11.27

2019.02.13

2020.03.10

2020.07.01

021

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Tohoku University’s Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research
As a comprehensive university in the center of the disaster stricken area, Tohoku University has the mission andresponsibility to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of the region.
“We wish to be the driving force for the recovery and regeneration of not only the surrounding Tohoku region but Japan itself.”
In order to realize this goal, Tohoku University installed the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research,collaborated with the government, local communities and residents, as well as various institutions and corporations, andadvanced support through eight university-wide projects with high priority and numerous individual concepts summarized as
Reconstruction Action 100+.
The movement was established by our common desire to establish “Creative Reconstruction” to support the disaster
stricken communities. Whilst contributing to the recovery of the everyday life of the people, we continue our efforts toadvance cutting edge education and research leading to a new Tohoku and a better Japan. We are determined to consolidate
diverse knowledge of our members and engage in recovery actions after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Establishment

April, 2011

PurposeThe UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
The UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction is an international conference
organized by the United Nations to establish policies related to global disaster risk
reduction. The first world conference was held 1994 in Yokohama and the second in 2005
in Kobe. During the second world conference the “Hyogo Framework for Action 20052015” was established.
The third world conference was held in Sendai, which was affected by the Great East
Japan Earthquake, from March 14-18, 2015, to establish a new international disaster risk
reduction framework after 2015. On the last day, the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030” was selected, aiming to reduce casualties and economic damages
after disasters by employing global disaster risk reduction measures.

To play a leading role in the recovery and rebirth as auniversity located in the center of the disaster-aﬀected area

Missions
Mission1

The 3rd UN World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction

Contributing to Post-disaster reconstruction and regional regeneration

Conference Report

Tohoku University’s Actions

Mission2 Creating a multidisciplinary center of excellence for postdisaster reconstruction
Mission3 Establishing a cross-disciplinary research organization to conduct problem-solving projects
Organization Chart
Director/ Executive Vice President for
Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction

Steering committee
Planning and PromotionOﬃce Chief/ Director●Planning / Promotion●Liaison●Public relations●Progress management●Organizing a symposium●Overall coordination●Tohoku University Priority Projects

The Great East
Japan Earthquake
Forum

Symposia &Seminars

Exhibitions

Posters

Study Tours

Events10.

Events by national
institutions
282.

Events by national
institutions
138.

Events by national
institutions
63.

Events by national
institutions
29.

Events by Tohoku
University
4.

Events by Tohoku
University
35.

Events by Tohoku
University
15.

Events by Tohoku
University
8.

Events by Tohoku
University
4.

Eight Projects
1. International Research Project on
Disaster Science
2. Project for the Reconstruction ofCommunity Health Care
3. Project for Environmental Energy
4. ICT Reconstruction Project

5. Tohoku Marine Science Project
6. Nuclear Decommissioning
and Environmental Restoration Project
7. Regional Industries Restoration
Support Project
8. Industry-Academia Collaboration
Development Project for Reconstruction●Tohoku University Memberʼ s Projects

Reconstruction Action 100+ (More than 100 various voluntary projects)※ Appointing the EVP for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction as Director of the institute(formerly led by the President) as of April 2016
※ Reorganization of the Project for Decontamination of Radioactive Materials to the Nuclear
Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project※ Events by national institutions are counted from the web page of Sendai City, including public forums.
Events of international institutions with settlement in Japan are also included.

Issues of the“Tohoku University Reconstruction Action”
In order to communicate Tohoku University’s actions to the generalpublic, issues of the “Tohoku University Reconstruction Action” arepublished on a regular basis.
Issue 1: May 2012

Issue 4: July 2014

Issue 7: December 2017

Issue 3: June 2013

Issue 6: July 2016

Issue 9: March 2021

Issue 2: October 2012

Issue 5: March 2015

Issue 8: March 2019

◀ Please also visit our homepage022

http://www.idrrr.tohoku.ac.jp/

Great East Japan Earthquake Forum(Presentation by President Satomi)

Exhibition(Tohoku University Reconstruction Actions)

Study Tours(International Research Institute of Disaster Science)

023

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Contributing to the WORLD BOSAI FORUM

The institute organizes annual symposia to report on the progress of projects and promotes the collaboration an cooperation with local

The World Bosai Forum
The World Bosai Forum is an international forum aimed at the reconstruction of disaster stricken areas of Tohoku and tasked to promote theSendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction approved by the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. It collaborates with
the Disaster Risk Reduction Conference at Davos and connects participants from government institutions, industry, academia and the private
sector. Where the Disaster Risk Reduction Conference at Davos is centered around disaster risk reduction experts from Europe and America, theWorld Bosai Forum focuses on the participation of the general public as well. So far, two events were organized in Sendai in 2017 and 2019 and
we presented practical solutions to disaster risk reduction based on the knowledge and experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

・ First World Bosai Forum（WBF2017）
Date: November 25 -28, 2017
Place: Sendai International
Center and Exhibition Hall,
Tohoku University Hagi Hall

Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Symposium

Director Fumihiko Imamura from the International Research Institute of Disaster Science was the committee
chairperson and President Susumu Satomi the president of the event. The forum attracted 947 participantsfrom 42 countries and regions with diverse background such as industry, academia, government and generalpublic. 49 sessions, 93 poster presentations, 27 mini presentations as well as a study tour and excursion whereorganized during the event. Current developments and issues related to disaster risk reduction as well as the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and BOSAI (disaster mitigation) in general werediscussed. The event also aimed to create a new opportunity for further international collaboration.

and global communities. In order to overcome various difficulties in the disaster stricken area as well as to utilize the characteristics andresources of the region, Tohoku University promotes “Creative Reconstruction” toward the development of a new Tohoku via necessary
research of important technology and education of future leaders.

Leading the recovery of Japan in 2013
Two years after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 9, 2013,
the Symposium “Toward ‘Leading the Reconstruction of Japan’” washeld at the Sendai Garden Palace. President Susumu Satomi, who acted
as director of the institute gave opening remarks and representatives
from individual projects reported on their activities. Furthermore, lively

Program
13:00
13:10

13:25

Opening remarks by President Susumu Satomi

Logo

Sessions

・ Second World Bosai Forum（WBF2019）
Date: November 9 - 12, 2019
Place: Sendai International
Center and Exhibition Hall,
Tohoku University Hagi Hall

14:50
15:05

The steering committee was established by members of the International Research Institute of Disaster
Science and Professor Yuichi Ono acted as Founder and CEO of the World Bosai Forum Foundation. The event
attracted 871 participants from the United Nations, government, international institutions, research organizations,
local municipalities and industry from 38 countries and regions. During the forum 50 presentations, 3 keynote
lectures, 47 poster sessions, 33 flash talks and 14 exhibition booths were organized, discussing developments
related to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Global Target E and practicalsolutions related to general disaster risk reduction. President Hideo Ohno, Executive Vice President Nobuyoshi
Hara and Director Fumihiko Imamura from the International Research Institute of Disaster Science gave opening
remarks and keynote presentations, communicating the role of Tohoku University and the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science during the restoration of the area after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

16:30

16:55

17:20
PosterSession by the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research

Reconstruction Symposium Three University
Presidents Discussion

discussions with project partners and collaborators were possible, who
expressed their continuous support and expectations in the projects.
About 200 participants from local communities, industry and academia
gathered, showing the high interest in Tohoku University’s reconstruction
actions.

Opening Remarks
President Susumu Satomi
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
MEXT Research Promotion Director Daisuke Yoshida
Deputy Director of the Miyagi Reconstruction Officeat the Reconstruction Agency Kozo Inada
Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai
Reports from 8 Priority Projects
1. International Research on Disaster Science
Director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science
Arata Hirakawa
2. Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Director of the Comprehensive Education Centerfor Community Medicine Hideo Harigae
Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
Masayuki Yamamoto
3. Environmental Energy
Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies
Kazuyuki Tohji
4. ICT Reconstruction
Director of the Research Institute of Electrical Communication
Masataka Nakazawa
Break
5. Tohoku Marine Science
Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Akihiro Kijima
6. Decontamination of Radioactive Materials
Senior Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering
Hiroaki Takahashi (as acting representative)
Assistant Professor at the Institute of Development, Ageing and Cancer
Masatoshi Suzuki (as acting representative)
7. Regional Industries Restoration Support
Director of the Regional Innovation Research Center
Masahiko Fujimoto
8. Industry-Academia Collaboration Development for Reconstruction
Executive Vice President for Industry Collaboration
Hiroshi Kazui
Reports from Reconstruction Actions 100+
Regeneration Support for Food, Agriculture, and Communities
Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Yutaka Nakai
International Studio for Reconstruction Concepts
Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering Yasuaki Onodera
Expectations for the Future
General Manager, Digital Editing Department,
Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co. Hideaki Hachiro
Director of the Ishinomaki City Hospital Hideo Ise
Closing Remarks
Executive Vice President for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara

Opening Remarks by President Susumu Satomi

Exhibition

Presentations

024

025

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

“Toward the restoration of Tohoku and the regeneration of Japan” in 2014
The Symposium “Toward the restoration of Tohoku and thesummary reports and screenwriter Makiko Uchidate gave a speech

regeneration of Japan” was held on March 9, 2014, in Sendai Westin

titled “Tohoku’s Spirit, Technique and Body: How to be Japan’swith ca. 200 participants from local communities, industry andYokozuna” and elaborated on the role expected of Tohoku University

academia. After the opening remarks by President Susumu Satomi,in the future as well as the importance of “technique”. Sendai CityMEXT Director for Research Promotion Shinjiro Komatsu, Kobe

Mayor Emiko Okuyama also gave a presentation on the 3rd UN World

University President Hideki Fukuda and Miyagi Deputy Governor

Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction as well as the role of Sendai

Shuichi Miura commented as special guests on the event. Duringin these activities. Simultaneously, the Exhibition of Reconstruction

the symposium, representatives from individual projects gave their

Actions was also organized.

“Messages from Tohoku University-Connecting the Lesson from the Disaster to the Future” in 2015
As a public forum of the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster
Risk Reduction the symposium “Messages from Tohoku University 〜
Connecting the Lesson from the Disaster to the Future” was organized on
March 15, 2015 at the Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi with 1500 participants.
During the event, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations
gave a keynote presentation, pointing out Tohoku University’s contributions
through the reconstruction projects and future developments. Afterwards,

Program
10:30
10:35

10:50
11:35

12:20
13:30

13:50

15:35
15:55

17:25

Opening Remarks
President Susumu Satomi
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
MEXT Research Promotion Director Shinjiro Komatsu
Kobe University President Hideki Fukuda
Miyagi Deputy Governor Shuichi Miura
Keynote Presentation:
Tohoku’s Spirit, Technique and Body -How to be Japan’s YokozunaScreenwriter Makiko Uchidate
Reports from 8 Priority Projects（1）1. International Research Project on Disaster Science
Director of the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science
Arata Hirakawa
2. Project for Environmental Energy
Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies
Kazuyuki Tohji
Break
Reports from Reconstruction Actions 100+

Education of “Interfaith Chaplains” and Social Implementation
Professor at the Graduate School of Arts and Letters
Iwayumi Suzuki
Reports from 8 Priority Projects（2）3. Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Director of the Comprehensive Education Centerfor Community Medicine
Hideo Harigae
Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
Masayuki Yamamoto
4. ICT Reconstruction project
Deputy Director at the Research Instituteof Electrical Communication Naomichi Numata
5. Tohoku Marine Science Project
Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Akihiro Kijima
Keynote Presentations:
Toward the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
Sendai City Mayor Emiko Okuyama
Reports from 8 Priority Projects（3）6. Project for the Decontamination of Radioactive Materials
Director of the Center for Remediation Engineeringfor Living Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes
Keizo Ishii
Professor at the Institute of Development, Ageing and Cancer
Manabu Fukumoto
7. Regional Industries Restoration Support Project
Director of the Regional Innovation Research Center
Masahiko Fujimoto
8. Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Projectfor Reconstruction
Professor at the Institute for Materials Research
Akihiro Makino
Closing Remarks
Executive Vice President for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara

ProgramForenoon Session: Reconstruction of Tohoku andthe Regeneration of Japan
10:00
10:30
10:35

Exhibition

11:20

Presentations

12:05

Screenwriter Makiko Uchidate026

project leaders of the 8 Priority Projects were involved in a podium
discussion with Prof. Andrew Gordon from Harvard University, discussing
the three topics “Mega Disasters and Disaster Risk Reduction”, “Industry
and Life” as well as “People and Medical Care”. In the afternoon, President
Satomi spoke on behalf of Tohoku University and Director Imamura, Prof.
Hino of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science and Prof.
Ishii of the University Hospital presented their messages.

Keynote Lectures
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Opening Remarks
Executive Vice President for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara
Panel Discussion 1: “Mega Disasters and Disaster Risk Reduction”
CoordinatorInternational Research Project on Disaster Science Director of theInternational Research Institute of Disaster Science(Special
Advisor to the President, Reconstruction Actions) Fumihiko Imamura
Panelists
ICT Reconstruction Project Director of the Research Organizationof Electrical Communication Masataka Nakazawa
Deputy Director of the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science Makoto Okumura
Professor at the Leading Graduate Schools (Global Safety)
Norihito Umino
Professor at Harvard University (Disaster Archives) Andrew Gordon
Vice-President IBM Japan(Chairperson for Disaster Risk
Reduction at Keidanren) Takayuki Hashimoto
Panel Discussion 2: Industry and Life
Coordinator
Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science (Special
Advisor to the President, Reconstruction Actions) Yutaka Nakai
Panelists
Project for Environmental Energy Professor at the Graduate
School of Environmental Studies Kazuyuki Tohji
Tohoku Marine Science Project Professor at the Graduate
School of Agricultural Science Akihiro Kijima
Regional Industries Restoration Support Project Director of theRegional Innovation Research Center Masahiko Fujimoto
Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction
Professor at the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for
Advanced Materials Takashi Nakamura
Panel Discussion 3: “People and Medical Care”
Coordinator
Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine(Special Advisor to the President, Reconstruction Actions)Kazuhiko Igarashi
Panelists
Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care Directorof the Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine
Hideo Harigae
Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
Masayuki Yamamoto
Project for the Decontamination of Radioactive Materials
Director of the Center for Remediation Engineering for Living
Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes Keizo Ishii
Project for the Decontamination of Radioactive Materials
Professor at the Institute of Development, Ageing and Cancer
Manabu Fukumoto

President Susumu Satomi and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Opening Remarks by Executive Vice President Nobuyoshi Hara

Exhibition at Kawauchi Hagi Hall

027

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Program
Afternoon Session: Lessons from the Disaster for
the Future
14:00
14:05
14:15

Panel Discussion

15:35
15:50

16:30

Opening Movie
Tohoku University’s Actions After the Great Earthquake
Opening Remarks for the Afternoon Session
President Susumu Satomi
Toward the Future: Our Messages“Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake
and the New Role of Tsunami Science”
Director of the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science
Fumihiko Imamura“Can Mega Earthquakes be Predicted?
- Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011”
Professor at the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science
Ryota Hino
Break
“Building the Stage for Future Regional Health Careand Training Next Generation Experts”
General Manager of Regional Medical Education Support
at the University Hospital(Former Director of Medical and Social Affairs at the JapanRed Cross Ishinomaki Hospital)
Tadashi Ishii
Talk Session “Toward the Future”
Facilitator
Marty Kuehnert
GuestsNihonjin Project“Together Toward the Future-Five Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake” in 2016
On March 8, 2016, the symposium “Together Toward the Future- Five Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake” was held at
Tohoku University’s Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall). After
MEXT’s Director for Research Promotion Yayoi Komatsu gave
opening remarks, Executive Vice President Hara presented asummary of Tohoku University’s Reconstruction Actions.
A d d i t i o n a l l y, D i r e c t o r o f t h e To h o k u M e d i c a l M e g a b a n kOrganization Masayuki Yamamoto and Research Professor Akihiro

Makino from the Institute for Materials Research also presented
their newest findings. At last, the 3D documentary produced by NHK
Media Technology with the advice from Director Imamura “The 3.11
Tsunami - Memories for the Future” was shown. The campus tour
organized for participants of the symposium presented individual
activities and facilities of reconstruction projects. Furthermore, aspecial exhibition presented results from the 8 Priority projects andReconstruction Actions 100+.

Program
13:30
13:35
13:40

14:20
14:45

Participants
16:05
16:25
16:55

Opening Remarks
President Susumu Satomi
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
MEXT Research Promotion Director Yayoi Komatsu
The Future of Reconstruction Actions
Executive Vice President for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Nobuyoshi Hara
Break
Keynote Presentations“How to Begin Next Generation Medicine
at Tohoku University - Thinking about the Unknown”
Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
Masayuki Yamamoto“Development of Ultra Low-Energy Magnetic Materials
at Tohoku University - Achievements and Future Prospects”
Research Professor at the Institute for Materials Research
Akihiro Makino
Break
3D Documentary“The 3.11 Tsunami - Memories for the Future”
Closing Remarks
Executive Vice President (Industry Collaboration)
Hideo ShindoSpecial Exhibition

Presentation by Executive Vice President Nobuyoshi Hara
Study Tours

Presentation by Director Imamura

Talk Session

028“The 3.11 Tsunami - Memories for the Future”

029

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

“The Power of the Next Generation - Creating the Future” in 2017

“Leading Disaster Recovery through Creation and Reforms” in 2018

On March 9, 2017, the symposium “The Power of the Next Generation- Creating the Future” was held at the Multi-media Hall (Tohoku
University, Kawauchi campus) with ca. 300 participants. Six years
after the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was necessary to involve thenext generation of young academics and leaders in the reconstruction
process and communicate important ideas as well as future actions.
After opening remarks by President Satomi, MEXT Research Promotion

On February 2, 2018, the symposium “Leading Disaster Recovery
through Creation and Reforms” was organized at the Yuraku-cho
Asahi Hall in Tokyo with more than 500 participants.
Parliamentary Secretary Hideki Nizuma and Deputy Minister for
Reconstruction Toru Doi gave the opening remarks and Tohoku
University President Susumu Satomi presented future plans of theuniversity. Furthermore, EVP Nobuyoshi Hara presented the progressof the recovery activities by the Institute and provided an outlook for
futures tasks and objectives.
During the main discussions, Director Imamura of the International
Research Institute of Disaster Science detailed the activities of theInternational Research Project on Disaster Science and the formation

Specialist Taishi Nishiki addressed the current situation. Executive
Vice President Hara also presented Tohoku University’s developments
regarding Reconstruction Actions and President Yozo Tachibana of
Rakuten Baseball, Inc. spoke about revitalizing the region of Tohokuwith the help of young people through various activities such as
baseball. Last but not least, young researchers discussed their research
activities, experiences and future ideas.

Program
13:00
13:05

13:10

13:50

15:10

16:25

Opening Remarks
President Susumu Satomi
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
MEXT Research Promotion Director
Yasunao Seki(Appointed speaker: Specialist Taishi Nishiki)
The Future of Reconstruction Actions
EVP for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Director of the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction andRegeneration Research Nobuyoshi Hara
Keynote Speakers“Toward the most beloved team in Japan-Revitalizing Tohoku with the power of the next generation”
President of Rakuten Baseball, Inc. Yozo Tachibana
Panel Discussion“The Reconstruction of Tohoku and the Role of the Next Generation
for the Renewal of Japan"
Panelists (Young Researchers from Reconstruction Actions)・International Research Project on Disaster Science
Graduate School of Engineering 1st year Ph.D. Student
Fumiyasu Makinoshima
・Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Tohoku University Hospital Assistant Professor
Eikan Mishima
・Tohoku Marine Science ProjectGraduate School of Agricultural Science Assistant Professor
Ayu Katayama
・Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction
Graduate School of Agricultural Science 2nd year Master student
Shohei Takizawa
・Project on Fundamental Research and Core HR Education
Program for Decommission of Nuclear Reactors,
Maintenance of Structural Building Integrity,
and Disposal of Nuclear Waste Graduate School of Engineering
2nd year Master student Yushi Kato
CoordinatorInternational Research Institute of Disaster Science Director
Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration
Research Deputy Director Fumihiko Imamura
Closing Remarks
International Research Institute of Disaster Science Director
Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research Deputy Director
Fumihiko Imamura

Program
13:00
13:05

13:10
President Yozo Tachibana of Rakuten Baseball, Inc.

13:30

13:50

14:30

Participants

15:00
15:20

16:00
16:55

Panel Discussion

030

of Disaster Science as part of Tohoku University's Core Research
Cluster, Director Watanabe from the Center for Fundamental
Research on Nuclear Decommissioning explained the scientificprogress regarding the Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental
Restoration Project, and Director Yamamoto of the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization outlined the achievements of the composite
biobank toward the establishment of Next Generation Medicine. The
talks highlighted not only the current progress but also the detailed
contributions to the local communities as well as future aspects forfurther developments.
After the symposium, musician miki, who is actively involved in thereconstruction of Miyagi’s coastal area, gave a small concert.

Opening Remarks
Special Advisor to the President Yutaka Nakai
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
Administrative Officer to the Minister for Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology
Administrative Officer to the Minster for Reconstruction
Hideki Niizuma
Deputy Minister for Reconstruction
Toru Doi
After Recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Excellence and Innovation in Synergy toward a Leading University
President Susumu Satomi
Reconstruction Actions
What Comes Next
EVP for Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction
Director of the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research
Nobuyoshi Hara
The Core Research Cluster for Disaster Science
International Research Project on Disaster Science
International Research Institute of Disaster Science Director
Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research Deputy Director
Fumihiko Imamura
Realizing Safe and Secure Communities
Contributing to the Nuclear Decommissioningof the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project
Director of the Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear
Decommissioning Yutaka Watanabe
BreakLeading Next Generation Medicine with a Unique Integrated Biobank
Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization
Masayuki Yamamoto
Mini Concert “Songs to Tohoku - Let’s Walk Together”
Singer Song Writer miki
Closing Remarks
Special Advisor to the President Yutaka Nakai

Participants

Presentations

Concert by miki031

The Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration ResearchInterviews“In Collaboration with Society-The Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction” in 2019
On February 13, 2019, the symposium “In Collaboration with Society- The Importance of Disaster Risk Reduction” was organized in Sendai
with more than 150 participants from the government, industry andthe general public.
Tomonori Nishii from MEXT’s Scientific Research Institutes Division
addressed the relevance of the event for future nation wide projects.
During the symposium EVP Hara summarized the activities andachievement of the institute in his talk “Reconstruction Actions fora better future”, Prof. Toda from the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science detailed his findings regarding earthquakes
from active faults, Director Matsuzawa from the Research Center for

Prediction of Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions communicated thedangers from earthquakes occurring in oceanic trenches. Director
Imamura from the International Research Institute of Disaster Science
presented findings regarding tsunami damages and Prof. Kuriyama
explained necessary actions to approach public health after large
scaled disasters. Each presenter was able to express the importanceof Disaster Science and possible measures to reduce risks of natural
disasters.
The participants were able to engage in lively discussions with thepresenters after the main talks, establishing a place for important
communication to spread the word regarding disaster risk mitigation.

Program
13:00
13:05

13:10

13:30

14:10

14:50
15:05

15:45

16:25

Opening Remarks
President Hideo Ohno
Opening Remarks by Special Guests
Manager at MEXT Department for Research Promotion
Tomonori Nishii
The Future of Tohoku University’s Reconstruction Actions
Executive Vice President for Outreach Activity and Earthquake
Disaster Reconstruction
Director of the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research
Nobuyoshi Hara
Preparing for Active Fault Earthquakes: The Nagamachi-Rifu Fault as an Example
Professor at the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science Shinji Toda
Preparing for Trench Earthquakes:
Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake
Director of the Research Center for Prediction of Earthquakes
and Volcanic Eruptions Toru Matsuzawa
Break
Recent Developments in Disaster Risk Reduction-From the Great East Japan Earthquake 3.11
to the Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami in Indonesia 2018
International Research Institute of Disaster Science Director
Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research
Deputy Director Fumihiko Imamura
The Public Health Care Approach to Large-scaled Disaster Response
Professor at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science
Sinichi Kuriyama
Closing Remarks
Special Advisor to the President(Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction)
Hideo Harigae

Contributing
to disasterrisk reduction
and thecreating
disasterreadiness
ISO asinternational
standard
As leading comprehensive university of the disaster stricken region, we played amajor role in disaster recovery and reconstruction.
With the many activities and achievements in the field of disaster science, wehave to think how to apply the results to practical disaster risk reduction.

ParticipantsProf. Imamura investigating the disaster in the
Kesennuma region.

Opening Remarks by President Ohno

Vice PresidentInternational Researc h Institute ofDisaster Science Director

Fumihiko Imamura※ The 2020 symposium “After Reconstruction - Toward
Personalized Medicine for Future Health Care” was originallyplanned for March 10, 2020, at Kawauchi Hagi Hall, but
had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presentations

032

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Director of the International Research Instituteof Disaster Science since 2014 after steps as
Professor at the Graduate School of Engineeringand the International Research Institute ofDisaster Science. Advisor to the President since2020. Specialization in Tsunami Science.

One major result of our 10 year project wasthat everybody understood the importance tofocus on ‘saving lives’ at times of disasters
such as the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Otherwise it would have been impossible toobtain a definitive answer to discussions suchas how high to build the seawall or what kindof evacuation system to employ. We also could
convince people outside the disaster strickenarea who did not experience the catastrophe
how important disaster risk reduction actually
is. There are increasing numbers of young
people interested in disaster risk reduction
and I think we could contribute greatly tothe education of the next generation. One of
the most difficult aspects when dealing withreconstruction planning was how to obtaina consensus. There are multiple ways toapproach policies and actions, but everybody
had to agree on the matter. That includes
bureaucrats, experts, supporters from Japanand overseas as well as local members of thecommunity. The plan for reconstruction had
to be devised within a year, and since many
people evacuated to shelters, just gatheringand discussing issues was sometimes difficult.
As a leading research university in the disaster

stricken area, it was also a major achievement
to communicate new activities not necessarily
related to disaster science such as education ofinterfaith chaplains and the neuroscience behindthe power to survive. The World Bosai Forumorganized every two years also plays a majorrole in looking forward. We have the opportunity
to inform the community about recent actions
and get everybody on the same page.
Unprecedented weather extremes andmajor natural disasters are happening more
often due to the current global climate change.
How to approach unknown types of disasters.
That is another question we have to think
about and we are preparing for. Furthermore,
we are currently preparing a ‘Disaster
Readiness ISO’ as international standard fordisaster risk reduction. It will communicate
important information how to mitigate futuredisasters. I am convinced we can contributeto communities both at home and abroad bypresenting our experience and revitalizing theregional industry through new standards.

033

Interviews

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

10 years after the severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Station, the most challenging phase of nuclear decommissioning has just begun.
Both R&D and education is an increasingly important duty of the university.

Utilizing theexperienceof the Great
East Japan
Earthquake
for the future

Collaborative Agreement between Tohoku University
and TEPCO.

Special Advisor to the President（Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction）
Director of the Center for Fundamental
Research on Nuclear Decommissioning

Yutaka Watanabe
We continue to train regional medical personnel and communicate our experienceof health care at times of disasters to our students.
Turning our experience into an asset to maintain medical care even in the event of
unforeseen circumstances.

Tohoku University Hospital is a base for the air
ambulance supporting the entire prefecture of
Miyagi within 30 minutes. Many patients werebrought to the hospital after the 3.11 event.

Special Advisor to the President（Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction）
Director of the Comprehensive Education
Center for Community Medicine

Hideo Harigae
Professor at Tohoku University School of Medicine
since 2007 after steps as Lecturer at the University
Hospital. Deputy Director of the University Hospitaland Director of the Comprehensive Education
Center for Community Medicine since 2012.
Specialization in Hematology and Immunology.

034

Immediately after the earthquake the
Tohoku University Hospital set up andemergency response headquarter. It was ourduty as hospital to maintain medical care tofulfill the role expected by our patients. At
that time, I was a member of the emergency
response headquarter and was involved in theearly decision making process of the hospitalsuch as how to accept injured patients. Therewas some initial confusion, but all departments
collaborated very quickly and we were able toresume treatment early on. It was a relief thatmost of our patients were unharmed by theearthquake.
One year after the disaster, the School of
Medicine established the Comprehensive
Education Center for Community Medicine torestore and support regional medical care. The
center aims to train medical personnel of thedisaster stricken communities and provide newtechnology and techniques from the University
Hospital such as training with medical
simulations. We are able to enhance the skillsof medical personnel in local communities,
improving the regional health care system. The

center also provides opportunities for people
involved in medical care to talk about theirexperience in local communities to students
and other staff members.
The disaster stricken communities were
suffering from a declining population to begin
with and the lack of doctors and nurses wasa big issue. The 3.11 disaster was anotherblow to regional medical care and a severecrisis which almost led to the breakdownof community health care. In recent years,
typhoons and disasters caused by heavy rain as
well as the COVID-19 pandemic have a severe
impact on the region. The current situation
has many hidden risks and it is our duty toremember the experience and communicate
the lessons learned to the next generation, so
people are prepared in the future.
Tohoku University has created a solid
foundation for disaster readiness and thecapability to swiftly respond to unexpected
events will be a real strength. We will continue
to communicate our experience and archive
important lessons of medical care to be readyfor the next emergency situation.

Professor at Tohoku University Graduate School ofEngineering since 2008 after steps as Lecturer andAssistant Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering.
Since 2016 Director of the Center for Fundamental
Research on Nuclear Decommissioning. Specialization incorrosion protection and plant life management.

The Center for Fundamental Research on
Nuclear Decommissioning has three roles. The
support of the safe decommissioning of the
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants via
fundamental research, the application of theobtained knowledge to the decommissioningof normal nuclear power plants and theeducation of next-generation experts throughour academic activities.
The decommissioning of accident-damaged
nuclear power plants like Fukushima involves
several steps. The fuel debris and otherradioactive materials have to be collected
and maintained so the environment is safe
without any special actions. The high riskstate after the accident has to be reduced instages to a situation where safe management
will be possible. Currently, new releases ofradioactive materials from the system havebeen suppressed and the conditions within thebuildings and the reactors are becoming clearer.
We have managed to organize the surrounding
environment for the next phase. The mainprocess of nuclear decommissioning comes now.
In April 2020, Tohoku University’s Institutefor Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration

Research and TEPCO signed a collaborative
agreement to establish a new division for basic
research to support the nuclear decommissioningat the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants
within the Center for Fundamental Researchon Nuclear Decommissioning. The center will
support the needs of TEPCO’s specialists on-site,
break them down into research tasks and provide
solutions and new ideas. The academic process
will also involve the education of students
and future specialists. Then, the research forpractical use will begin with those that havehigh significance and potential for practical use.
In order to achieve the safe decommissioningof the nuclear power plants, we need to involve
knowledge and development ideas across manytechnical fields. There are many new, important
academic frontiers to be explored.
The nuclear decommissioning of the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants is an unprecedented,
technically very difficult project. But it is also mostimportant for the recovery of the Fukushima region
and the trust of global communities in the Japanese
future. It is our duty to gather our knowledge andwork on solving the problems and we ask for at thehelp from experts in all scientific fields.

First, we needto ensure therisks aremanaged.
Then, make itsafe without
specialmanagement.

035

Tohoku University
Reconstruction Action
2011- 2021
Tohoku University Priority Projects
038

Project 01.

International Research Project on Disaster Science

052

Project 02.

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care

074

Project 03.

Project for Environmental Energy

084

Project 04.

ICT Reconstruction Project096

Project 05.

Tohoku Marine Science Project

106

Project 06.

128

Project 07.

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project

144

Project 08.

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Projectfor Reconstruction

036

Nuclear Decommissioning andEnvironmental Restoration Project037

Project 01
International Research Projecton Disaster Science

Tohoku University was involved in Disaster Risk Reduction Research
prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. Although anearthquake off the coast of Miyagi was predicted and some measures
were already implemented, the actual magnitude of the 3.11 earthquake
and great tsunamis were far beyond anything expected, amplified byan accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The Great East
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami revealed weaknesses and limits oftraditional science and technology systems. Based on disaster lessons,the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) wasestablished in April 2012, as interdisciplinary research organization
working for renewal of disaster and emergency response policies inorder to prepare for the next new mega disaster.
Natural disaster research promoted by IRIDeS considers the disaster
cycle: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. IRIDeS
pursues disaster science that explores events within each stage of theabove cycle and integrates lessons and findings across the cycle. The
mission of IRIDeS is to: apply knowledge derived from research on the2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami disaster and its recovery
and research findings on disasters worldwide to society; constructstudies to build social systems in which humans and society can respond
wisely to changing disasters, overcoming hardships and applying lessons
learned; and systemize these studies as practical disaster research andbuild their academic value.
IRIDeS promotes interdisciplinary research across fields to advancedisaster science, collaborating with other research institutions,companies and disaster-affected areas. Our achievements to dateinclude deeper understandings of the impact and mechanism of themega earthquake and tsunami, development of disaster medical care,formation of disaster digital archives, provision of disaster risk reduction
education and contributions to global disaster risk reduction policies.

038

Project Leader
International Research Institute ofDisaster Science

Director Fumihiko Imamura

The International Research Institute of Disaster
Science was established one year after the Great
East Japan Earthquake. In order to find solutions
for the problems, Tohoku University researchers
in the areas of science, medicine and humanities
gathered to create a world-leading organization indisaster science. Since then, we have promoted
collaborative research based on the disaster cycle
and have not only supported recovery but also
contributed to other disaster responses. We havealso supported the Third UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Bosai
Forum. Now, ten years after the earthquake,disaster memories and lessons started to fade.
We also work with various stakeholders to pass on
disaster experiences.

039

Project 01

Project Activities

2011

9

		
2012

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

International Research Project on Disaster Science

International Research Project on Disaster Science◆

Activities of the Global Centre for Disaster
Statistics
As contribution to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction, Tohoku University in collaboration with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) established the Global Centre forDisaster Statistics (GCDS) in April 2015. The centre assembles disasterloss and damage data from all over the world and analyze it to help
generate disaster risk reduction policy. The activities of the centre arerecognized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction(UNDRR) as a Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitment (SFVC).

Started the archive project of the Great East Japan Earthquake,“Michinoku Shinrokuden”.

3

Story-tellers’ symposium “Kataritsugi” (passing on) (annual event thereafter)3

Debrief meeting 1 year after the Great East Japan Earthquake

4

Establishment of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS,
Prof. Hirakawa as its first Director)

2013

6-

Started IRIDeS Friday Forum (Regular event).

7

World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction in Tohoku

9

8th Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Natural disaster Research Symposium

1

The Great East Japan Earthquake Archive Symposium (annual event thereafter)

2-

Comprehensive partnership agreements with eleven municipalities e.g. Tagajo

3

2nd Annual Symposium on the Great East Japan Earthquake

3

Community activity project “Power to Live with Disasters”
Publication of “Disaster Risk Reduction Pocket Notebook for Families”

2014

2015

6

Publication of research outcomes “Analyzing the Great East Japan Earthquake”

3

3rd Annual Symposium on the Great East Japan Earthquake

4

Started New IRIDeS administration (Prof. Imamura as its second Director).

9

Opening of IRIDeS building at the Aobayama New Campus

3

The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

4

Establishment of the Global Centre for Disaster Statistics

11

Word’s first success in measuring the speed of tectonic plate movement of the pacific

		
2016

plate in the Japan Trench after the Great East Japan Earthquake
3
4-

5th Annual Symposium of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Collaboration and support of emergency investigations and recovery after
the Kumamoto earthquakes

2017

3

6th Annual Symposium of the Great East Japan Earthquake11

1st “World Bosai Forum / International Disaster Risk Reduction Conference 2017

		
2018

in Sendai”
3

2018

7th Annual Symposium of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Global Centre forDisaster Statistics (GCDS)★Policy recommendation

Countries★ Mainstreaming ofDisaster Risk
Reduction★Global Database on
Disaster Loss & Damage★ Scientific Analysis
for policy making★Innovative modules★ Technical Advice★Support Monitoringof SFDRR and SDGs◆

Contributions to the 3rd UN World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction andthe World Bosai Forum
Tohoku University and the International Research Institute ofDisaster Science played a key role in the organization of the 3rd UN
World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in March 2015.
We fully supported the invitation of the conference to Sendai andparticipated in many of the public forums which were organizedsimultaneously to the main conference. Furthermore, we provided
inputs to the negotiation process to develop the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 which contains seven global targets
as well as four priority areas for action. During the conference, we had
the opportunity as the only large-scale university experiencing the Great
East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami to share our findings and lessons
with the international community which are reflected in the concept of
Build Back Better in the Sendai Framework. Additionally, the university
president announced the concept of the World Bosai Forum as well as
the establishment of the Global Centre for Disaster Statistics during theconference.

The World Bosai Forum is an international conference withparticipation of the general public in association with the International
Disaster Risk Conference in Davos, Switzerland. Based on the resultsof the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, we
created a venue to share practical solutions for disaster risk reduction in
public-private collaboration with the international community in orderto advance the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction. We also archive and communicate the experiences andfindings related to disaster risk reduction after the Great East Japan
Earthquake and Tsunami. The International Research Institute ofDisaster Science fully supported the World Bosai Forum and played amajor role in the organization.
The First World Bosai Forum attracted 947 participants from 42
countries and regions, with a total number of more than 10,000,
including general public. The Second World Bosai Forum in 2019attracted 871 participants from 38 countries and regions, and likewisewith more than 8,000 general public in total. IRIDeS Director, Prof.
Imamura served as a local organizing chairperson, and Prof. Ono,
Founder of the World Bosai Forum Foundation conducted overall
coordination.

Field Survey and debrief meetings on the Hualien Earthquake in Taiwan,
the Northern Osaka Prefecture Earthquake, Western Japan Heavy Rain Disaster,
the Hokkaido Iburi Earthquake and the Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami, Indonesia

2019

3

8th Annual Symposium of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Field Survey and debrief meetings on the Kumamoto Earthquake, the Yamagata
Earthquake, the damages by Typhoon Hagibis

11

2nd “World Bosai Forum / International Disaster Risk Reduction Conference 2019		in Sendai”

		

AIWEST-DR2019 in Sendai

2020

4-

Started new research projects to help communities in times of the COVID-19 crisis,

3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Opening of the First World Bosai Forum

applying the lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
5-

IRIDeS Friday Forum became online (Regular event).

8

Field Survey and debrief meetings on the heavy rain disaster in July (online)

11

Final report on Typhoon Hagibis in cooperation with the Tohoku Academic Joint
Research Team (online)

2021
		

3

Publication of “51 Approaches to Disaster Science: Lessons from the 2011 Great
East Japan Earthquake”
10th Annual Symposium on the Great East Japan Earthquake
Closing of the First World Bosai Forum

040

The Second World Bosai Forum Reduction

The Second World Bosai Forum Reduction

041

Project 01

International Research Project on Disaster Science◆

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆

Field Survey
After a disaster, it is necessary to investigate what happened (ishappening) on site and take detailed records for further actions. At theInternational Research Institute of Disaster Science, we conducted fieldsurveys and provided the results to the communities, progressing theinterdisciplinary aspect of disaster science. So far we have carried out thefield surveys to record damage caused by the heavy rain in Akita and Iwate(2013), the typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines (2013), the heavy rain in
Yamagata (2014), the Nagano Earthquake (2014), the Nepal Earthquake(2015), the heavy rain of Kanto and Tohoku (2015), the Kumamoto
Earthquake (2016), the Fukushima Earthquake and Tsunami (2016),
the heavy rain in Northern Kyushu (2017), the Hualien Earthquake in
Taiwan (2017), the Osaka Earthquake (2018), the 2018 heavy rain inwestern Japan(2018), the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake (2018),
the Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami (2018), the Yamagata Earthquake(2019), and the East Japan Typhoon in 2019. Each time we analyzed
damage and provided our findings to the communities by publishing
reports as well as making important information available on our
homepage. We also presented the results of more detailed analyses inacademic publications to share necessary information and contribute to
the development of disaster science.

◆

Global Activities Commemorating
the “World Tsunami Awareness Day”
The UN General Assembly designated November 5 as World
Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015. The International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science started global awareness activities in 2016
commemorating the first “World Tsunami Awareness Day”, collaboratingwith people from Hawaii, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. To
analyze and visualize the impactof earthquakes and tsunamis of
the past 400 years, we continue tocommunicate important findings to
the media. In 2020 we cooperated
with theUnited Nations Office forDisaster Risk Reduction as well as
the United Nations Development
Programme and establishedtsunami evacuation guidelines intimes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

◆

Seafloor Observations and Geological
Surveys Revealing the Mechanism of
Subduction and Inland Earthquakes
In the event of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, we observed theseafloor movement associated with the mega earthquake for the firsttime in the world. Continuous observations in the following years
showed complex longterm movements after
the earthquake as well.
We shared these valuable
observation resultswith other national andinternational research
institutes, searching forways to assess possible
mega disasters inadvance. Furthermore,
we also modeled inland
earthquakes based on fieldsurveys and their relation
to the changes in the
stress field.

New “Real-time tsunami inundation forecast
technology”
Fusing real-time computer simulations with sensing technology,
our team is developing a disaster big data platform for national andcommunity resilience. The real-time tsunami inundation and damage
forecast system was launched in cooperation with the Cyberscience
Center and the Graduate School of Science and started operationsin 2018 as a function of the emergency response of Cabinet Officeof Japan. A newly-founded university-born tech-startup RTi-cast is
taking a role of offering and operating real-time tsunami inundation
to government organizations, including emergency operations center,and commercial clients. In April 2018, we received the MEXT Scienceand Technology Award and in March 2019 the MIC Award at the FirstJapan Open Innovation Awards.

On site investigation after the East Japan Typhoon (2019)◆

Publishing actions and findings of the Great
East Japan Earthquake
Researchers of Tohoku University entered disaster-affected areas
immediately after the earthquake to explore the earthquake and tsunami
mechanisms, assess the damages, provide medical cares and support local
affected communities as much as possible. Based on those experiences
and findings, IRIDeS has published two books: “Analyzing the Great
East Japan Earthquake” (two volumes, Akashi Publishing) in June 2013,
and “51 Approaches to Disaster Science: Lessons from the 2011 Great
East Japan Earthquake” (Tohoku University Press). in March 2021,

Inundation forecast simulations with the supercomputer AOBA.

042

043

Project 01

International Research Project on Disaster Science◆

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆◆

Elucidation of the 1611 Oshu Earthquake in
Collaboration of Social and Natural Sciences

Development of a 3D Simulator Reproducing
the Run-Up of the Tsunami

Development of ICT Tools to Archive
Disasters

Social science and natural science researchers from different
fields aspired to clarify the truth of the 1611 Oshu Earthquake ininterdisciplinary collaboration. (Oshu is an old name for the eastern partof the Tohoku region.)Interdisciplinary research analyzing historical documents andtsunami debris, and calculating simulations led to a comprehensive
understanding of the earthquake 400 years ago, displaying a similar scaleof the earthquake and subsequent destruction by a tsunami.

The International Research Institute of Disaster Science developeda three dimensional tsunami simulator in collaboration with FujitsuLtd. capable to reproduce the flooding process of the tsunami in urban
areas and running upstream in detail. The damage by tsunamis can be
estimated via simulation of the complex flow after the earthquake andthe wave breaking along the coastline as well as the behavior of theoverflow upstream.
This research combines the two dimensional simulation technology
utilized for the calculation of the wide spread arrival times of a tsunami
from the origin to the coastline developed by the institute with thethree dimensional fluid simulation technology by Fujitsu and accurately
displays how the tsunami floods the coast and complex urban areas,running upstream.

An unprecedentedly large amount of data and materials on the 2011
disaster have been left as big data, including observation data, referencesand video images. To visualize and utilize this resource for futuredisaster risk reduction, necessary ICT tools have been developed and are
now available to the public.
The site “How 3.11 Tsunami Inundation could be seen by humaneyes” shows tsunami trace height of the Great East Japan Earthquake
online. Switching between a bird’s-eye view and a worm’s-eye view ofthe event, one can realize actual tsunami heights and feel the fear of thecatastrophe.
“Database to learn lessons from 3.11” introduces disaster lessons
derived from academic surveys and studies in plain terms. Lessons aredelivered every month, in conjunction with Twitter.
One can search disaster-related videos on the map through “Looking
back 3.11 in Video.” On the site, 3.11-related video images on theinternet were gathered. Where those videos were taken have been
specified and their locations are plotted on the map.
Other web sites have been created, including “Changing landscapeof Michinoku towards recovery” which shows photos taken by a fixed
point observation method, and “Database of lessons learned from theGreat East Japan Earthquake” which is a search engine of disaster lessons
found in academic papers and reports.”

Historical document “Records of the Sunpu Government”.

◆

Integrated multi-dimensional visualization
system for disaster science information

serves as a visualization platform that enables us to establish a new andpractical framework for realizable disaster prevention and mitigation
systems to encourage resilient societies.

A variety of research outcomes produced from all the divisions in
IRIDeS are integrated and visualized at multiple levels. The system

Simulation of the tsunami propagation.

3D simulations of a tsunami.

◆

Analyzing the “Power to Live with
Disasters” utilizing Neuroscience
Asking 1412 survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake andanalyzing the survey, we concluded that individual character, chain ofthought, or habits are essential to endure a catastrophe and summarized
the results as eight “powers to live” (e.g. “leadership”, “problem
solving”). Each factor was considered relevant to overcome threats anddifficulties at times of disasters and we also analyzed the neurologicalmechanisms behind them.

044

045

Project 01

International Research Project on Disaster Science

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆◆

Research into Disaster Related Stress
to Develop Psychological Health Care
Measures for Mitigation◆

Rescuing Historical Documents Affected by
the Great East Japan Earthquake
There are numerous historical documents left in local communities
in Japan. Since 2003, we have worked with local municipalities andcitizens mainly in Miyagi and Iwate to preserve those precious materials
that show regional histories. Thanks to our cooperative relationshipalready built, approx. 60,000 historical documents were rescued after theGreat East Japan Earthquake. Our activities include supporting recoveryof the disaster-affected areas and rescuing historical records affectedby the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis. We have addressed importance ofpreserving local identities based on the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction in occasions such as UNESCO’s Memory of the World
Programme in December 2018 and other forums and seminars both inJapan and overseas.

By conducting surveys in disaster affected
communities, we clarified the impact ofdisaster stress caused by the Great East Japan
Earthquake on the mental health of disastervictims and identified factors that promote
or impair recovery of mental health. We arealso developing technology for evacuation
drills using virtual reality and bio-sensing
technology, and verifying the effects ofdisasters on sleep using wearable devices.

◆

Collecting, Classifying, and Communicating
Disaster Records – “The Michinoku
Shinrokuden” Archive
Collaborating with private and public institutions, we collect all
possible records, examples, and experiences of the Great East Japan
Earthquake in the “Michinoku Shinrokuden” archive in order to sharethem with local and global communities and preserve the important
information for the future. Since 2017, in addition to records fromthe Great East Japan Earthquake, we also provide records from the2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the 2018 Hokkaido Iburi Earthquake
as well as the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis (known in Japan as the Reiwa 1
East Japan Typhoon). Based on these records, we advance research formeasures and policies regarding low frequent mega disasters and utilize
our achievements to prepare for the impending simultaneous occurrenceof the Tokai, Tonankai, and Nankai Earthquakes. Technology andmethods for digital archives are also distributed to other archivingorganizations.
Currently the records, including items from natural hazards disasters
such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, register more than 1 million
entries, ca. 120,000 of which are publicly accessible. A small excerpt canalso be found online (http://shinrokuden.irides.tohoku.ac.jp/).
The goal of Michinoku Shinirokuden is the preservation andcommunication of lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake tothe public. As such, in March every year we also organize an annual
symposium called “Kataritsugi (Passing on)” with actress Keiko
Takeshita to raise disaster risk awareness.

Passing on Disaster Memories
Analyzing the memory and the heritage of the experience to future
generations from a folkloristic point of view is one important task for us.
In the Sanzengouchi area of Ohtao, Nagasaki, there exists the tradition
of “Nenbutsu Ko Manju” (Buddhist Prayer Buns), retaining the memoryof the landslide disaster 1860, and in Taishobashi, Osaka, the “Jizo Bon”
keeps the memory of the 1854 earthquake and tsunami. Commemorating
the dead taken by disasters on a regular basis is also a way to pass thedisaster experiences and lessons to future generations.

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme in December 2018
Jizo-bon inking

Tsunami memorial service◆

Medical Care Support as Member of Tohoku
University Hospital’s Disaster Medical
Assistance Team (DMAT)
To save as many lives as possible, Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki Sasaki fromthe International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) has
been registered as a member of the “Disaster Medical Assistance Team(DMAT)” since January 2016. In the event of the 2016 Kumamoto
earthquakes, he was a member of Tohoku University Hospital’s DMAT,
one of the DMATs from the Tohoku area, and participated in medical
support activities at South Aso, Kumamoto during April 17-19. He
directed a mission to transport the sick from the Nursing House. Asst.
Prof. Yohei Inaba of the IRIDeS is also registered as a DMAT member
since December 2018.

046

Tohoku DMATs members discussing the disaster situation and the next day's
missionRescuing of historical documents from a storehouse damaged by the 2011
disaster.

047

Project 01

International Research Project on Disaster Science◆

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆

Tsunami Evacuation Project on World
Tsunami Awareness Day
Through tsunami evacuation project conducted on World Tsunami
Awareness Day, we encourage citizens to have their own evacuation
program according to their local circumstances, combining methods
such as evacuation by car, usage of electric cars and drones, and
COVID-19 preventive measures. Repeating such tsunami evacuation
exercises will contribute to problem solving of local communities,
fostering “a culture of evacuation.” We have supported evacuation
projects in areas including Iwanuma and Yamamoto in Miyagi, Iwaki in
Fukushima, Rikuzentakata in Iwate, and Phuket in Thailand.

◆

APRU-IRIDeS Multi Hazard Program

Tohoku University Disaster Mitigation
Education - the “YUI” Project

The Multi-Hazards Program was established in 2013 in collaboration
with Tohoku University and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities(APRU). APRU is a network of 60 universities from 19 economies
around the Pacific Rim. IRIDeS provides its secretariat services
as the regional program hub. Through various events such as thesummer school and the symposium organized every year as well as
an international journal (Progress in Disaster Science), the Program
globally shares the lessons learned from Great East Japan Earthquake
and Tsunami and the findings of cutting-edge disaster science researches.
Furthermore, it contributes to international and regional discussions andpolicy making processes with various partners.

As university located in a disaster stricken region, we collaborate
with the Prefectural Boards of Education to organize “Onsite Disaster
Mitigation Awareness Lectures” for ca. 17,000 children in 276
elementary schools in areas of e.g. Miyagi, Fukushima, Iwate andthe Nankai Trough Areas as well as global lectures in foreign regions
affected by disasters. We give out “Disaster Mitigation Handkerchiefs”
in onsite lectures to all children participating in the event full of useful
information at times of disasters. These handkerchiefs also functions ascommunication tools, protecting families from disasters.

Onsite lectures at elementary schools.

◆

Monitoring and quantitative evaluation ofurban recovery processes
When assessing the damage of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake,
understanding of formative process in the city (village) is necessary.
Therefore, we have been monitoring and collecting information on
the changes in residential location before the earthquake, the extent ofdamages, the development process of reconstruction plans and the stateof reconstruction. As part of these efforts, for the purpose of quantitativeevaluation of post-disaster recovery process, we developed a method tocreate recovery curves by using data on the construction of temporary
housing and disaster recovery public housing in the affected areas. In thatway, we quantified the recovery process of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima
prefectures. These recovery curves enable us to know how long it had been
since the disaster to provide many houses as well as the intensive degree ofthe construction. By standardized indicator like this, we can compare thepost-disaster recovery processes in different times and regions affected bydisasters. Moreover, we are able to discuss relation to the measures.

Evacuation training in a time of COVID (2020)

Training to search for survivors with drones (2019)

Evacuation training by car (2017)

048

049

Project 01

International Research Project on Disaster Science

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆◆

Constructing a post-disaster urban recovery
database of the 2011 Great East Japan
Earthquake

Interdisciplinary Project on Utilizing
Information about the Nankai TroughEarthquake for Disaster Risk Reduction

After the earthquake disaster, the affected communities worked on therecovery under the Build Back Better. We constructed the post-disasterurban recovery database of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake toarchive the various efforts and to disseminate them to the world. The
database will be completed in spring 2021.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announces warning information
when the chance of having a Nankai Trough Earthquake becomes
higher than normal. We collaborate and communicate with key
organizations in local communities and companies to provide support
for disaster mitigation. With the support from the SECOM Science andTechnology Foundation, researchers from science, engineering, sociology
and medicine are working on “Hazard Assessment”, “Countermeasures”
and “Social Effects”, in cooperation with the partners in Kochi
Prefecture. We communicate our findings with the partner organizations
and local communities, reflect their opinions, and deliver useful tools
and knowledge for effective countermeasures. This interdisciplinary
project is a model for “Practical Disaster Risk Reduction Science”, theconcept born from the lessons from 3.11.

Research Promotion and Output◆◆"Disaster Risk Reduction x Treasure Hunting
Game"
We have cooperated “Disaster Risk Reduction x Treasure Hunting
Game” held by the Katahira community development association. This
event is both for children and adults, and also both for Japanese andnon-Japanese residents, who would like to walk around the Katahira
community of Sendai, learning about local disaster risk as well as its
history and geography in the manner of a treasure hunting game.
Having learned from 3.11 lessons, this event is regularly held as oneof the community building activities of Katahira, bringing up the next
generation of the community.

050

COVID Research Projects
The COVID-19 has seriously affected global communities. Seeing the
pandemic as a disaster, 10 research projects started, learning lessons fromthe Great East Japan Earthquake and aiming at construction of the postcorona better world. Those topics include “Historical Changes in SocioCultural Perspectives on Infectious Diseases (Repel Epidemic Project)”,“Improvement of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for Companies
and Organizations Responding to New Coronavirus Infections”,“Visualization and Reduction of COVID-19 Transmission Risks
during Flooding in a Time of the Pandemic” and "The Power to Livethrough society with COVID-19”, all of which are characterized by theirinterdisciplinary nature. Furthermore, in November 2020, an academic
paper was published to show behavioral regulations as measures against
COVID-19 led to motivation loss and anxiety among researchers.

◆

Promoting the Formulation of BusinessContinuity Plans with the Knowledge from 3.11
By the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, many companies
had serious direct damage, and in addition, indirect damage spread to
not only nationwide but on a global scale by way of their transactions.
Local authorities also had damage to their main government buildings
and it caused the delay of their rescue operations. The International
Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) of Tohoku University
conducted surveys and hearings with disaster affected corporations andresearched on rescue actions of the local authorities, extracted points forearly recovery, and have supported to formulate and operate BusinessContinuity Plans to overcome the damage of major disasters. The “BCP
Induction Guide for Small and Medium Businesses” (122 pages) iscurrently available on the web page of a researcher of IRIDeS, and heorganized six consecutive open lectures of BCP in 2019. Furthermore,
IRIDeS supported organizations all over Japan with their BusinessContinuity Plans, including in Kumamoto, which suffered from thedamages of the 2016 earthquake, and in Kochi, which would be highly
affected in case of a Nankai Trough Earthquake occurs.

051

Project 02
Project for the Reconstructionof Community Health Care

Support Project by the Comprehensive
Education Center for Community Medicine

Tohoku University◆School of Medicine◆University Hospital◆GS Dentistry◆Inst. Development Aging and Cancer

EducCenter for Community Medicine◆Re-educated specialized
medical staff◆Specialists of regional
medicine◆Knowledge & experienceof disaster affected areas

Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine
Regional Medicine

Accepting medical
staff from disaster
affected areas

At the Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine,
we welcome medical professionals affected by the Great East Japan
Earthquake, provide continuous training via cutting edge medical
simulation at the Clinical Skills Laboratory, and established an educationand delegation system in which these professionals return to their
original community health care institution with an increased set ofskills, thus supporting the local communities and the affiliated healthcare. Furthermore, we invite medical professionals as lecturers who
experienced the catastrophe on site and were involved in the practicalapplication of disaster medical care and construct a system, where
the knowledge and experience of practical disaster medical care ispassed on to the next generation, as well as scientific findings of cuttingedge medical care is provided to said professionals so they are able
to utilize the newest technology in the disaster stricken areas. Thissystem supports the regeneration of medical care in local communities
as well as the education of human resources who might be involved indisaster medical care and community health care in the future. Althoughalready ten years have passed after the catastrophe, we cannot say that
medical treatment has sufficiently recovered in disaster stricken areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic also makes traditional learning and training
difficult. The center took every possible precaution against infections
and we will continue to support medical staff in the entire region and try
to stop the loss of important personnel from disaster stricken areas.

052

Educ

Undergraduates
Graduate Students
Medical Staff

Dispatching
Re-educatedMedical Staff＊Circulation of
professionals＊Prevention of brain
drain＊Increase medical
level

Disaster
Affected
Hospitals

Project Leader
Comprehensive Education Centerfor Community Medicine

Director Hideo Harigae

The Comprehensive Education Center forCommunity Medicine was established after theGreat East Japan Earthquake with the objective
to restore and support community health care.
The Skills Lab, which introduced state-of-the-art
simulators to train medical personnel, is at thecenter of our actions to support regional healthcare. We also organize lectures where medical
staff share their memories from 3.11 and theirexperience in disaster stricken communities,
giving the next generation of medical experts theopportunity to obtain an important understandingof the situation in the field.
Many hospitals in the disaster region haverecovered since 3.11, but there is still a shortageof important personnel and we have to continue
our efforts to support regional communities asbest as possible.

053

Project 02

Project Activities

2012

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care
Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine

1

Establishment of the Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine

3

Hands-on training of medical care in disaster stricken communities

6

Memorial Lectures for the opening of the “Comprehensive Education Center for Community
Medicine” and the “Tohoku University Clinical Skills Laboratory”

7“Disaster Dentistry” Lectures at the Faculty of Dentistry

7

Begin emergency airway management training

8

Begin acute heart failure simulations

9

Begin emergency response simulations

10“Oral Health Care Consultations” at the Hibiki industrial park in East Matsushima

10

Special Lecture “The Role of Dentistry and Oral Health Care at Times of Disasters”

10

Begin surgery training on animals

1

Eating and swallowing rehabilitation workshops

4

Begin simulations of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support devices (PCPS)

2013

4

Begin simulation training course “SimMarathon”

10

Begin pathology workshop utilizing virtual slide systems

10    “Seminar for Kampo medicine useful for everyday treatment”
2014

2

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine]◆◆◆◆

COVID-19 Response at the Tohoku
University Hospital

Infection Control Actions in Collaboration
with Local Municipalities and the Government

On March 26, 2020, Tohoku University Hospital started treatmentof the first COVID-19 patient. Until the end of November, wetreated more than 30 cases of COVID-19, including 5 severe cases
requiring ventilator treatment. We also collaborated with the Infection
Management Office to assure safe operations and there have been nocases of infections among staff members. Due to the increased numbersof COVID-19 patients, during April 22 to June 8 and after November
23, 2020, we established a special section for COVID-19 treatment on
the 15th floor of the east hospital building, providing treatment fromboth the Department of Respiratory Medicine and the Department for
Comprehensive Infectious Diseases (Related news: https://www3.nhk.
or.jp/news/html/20201113/k10012710921000.html)
Furthermore, we regulated entry to the hospital, organizedtemperature checks as well as medical questionnaires and establisheda PCR testing system for suspected COVID-19 patients, emergency
hospitalizations and patients scheduled for general anesthesia surgery.
Staff members are instructed to wear protective clothing when treating
patients and follow a rigid protocol to protect themselves.

Cooperating with the municipalities of Miyagi and Sendai City,
we provide infection control seminars for staff of elderly and disabledwelfare facilities, kindergardens, schools, restaurants, lodging facilities andothers. We also visit facilities when there is an outbreak of COVID-19
to help prevent further spread of infections. Additionally, collaboratingwith Sendai City and Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University,
we prepared the Sendai Handbook on the Prevention of the Spread of
Infections for community members, and have participated in the activities
of a research group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare toprepare a guide for COVID-19 treatment for medical personnel.

Disaster dentistry symposium in cooperation with the West China School of Stomatology Sichuan
University and on-site visit of disaster stricken areas of the Sichuan earthquake2015

Measures against COVID-19

COVID-19 Response at the Tohoku University Hospital

2

Lecture “Learning nursing basics for understanding patients with dementia”

3

Lecture “Basics of simulation education for nurses”<Measures to Prevent Carry-In>
l
l
l
l

6

Special project “Learning chest compression and AED” at the Clinical Skills Laboratory

10

Lecture “Support of severely disabled people in need of medical care”

12“On-site seminar for emergency response to children with food allergies”

2016

11

Public project “To save babies’ lives – Understanding and preventing the sudden infant death syndrome”

2017

5

Heart auscultation training for non-cardiology doctors utilizing simulations

6

Hands-on seminar for peripherally inserted central catheter

7

Medical healthcare experience for middle-school students of the Miyagi area at the school of medicine

8“A backyard tour - Medical Care in Action” at the Tohoku University Hospital

10

Oral health seminar

11

Lectures for nurses working in correctional facilities of the Tohoku region2018    1 - 2

Lecture “Simulation for emergency responses in case of allergic reactions” for paramedics,		teachers and nurses
3“POT & FTP” seminar utilizing simulations for paramedics

6

Lectures for nurses working in correctional facilities of the Tohoku region

6

Guidebook for Preventing the Spreadof Infections

Restricting Entrances to 2 Places (Front & North)Time Restrictions (8:00〜19:30)
No visitors (only those whom the hospital asks to visit)
No going out and staying overnight (unless special reasons
apply)<Measures for Early Detection>l Outpatient Triage (collect information on contact history
and behavioral history)l Medical Questionnaire (1. Outpatients 2. Admissions)l <Suspected Patients> X Ray and CT Scansl Establishment of PCR Testing System within the Hospital

Measures for Early Detection
Entrance Poster

Sendai Handbook on the Prevention of
the Spread of Infections for community
members◆◆

Surgery Training on Animals
The Advanced Medical Technology Training Center holds regularsurgical training using pigs for initial trainees in the Tohoku region,
focusing on general surgical techniques as well as thoracic and abdominal
surgeries, in order to improve the surgical skills of the trainees in a veryclinical-like environment. Furthermore, we also provide training in
advanced endoscopic surgical techniques not only for residents but also
for specialists, which is highly evaluated by the participants.

Entrance Poster

On-site Seminar for doctors in Kesennuma and “POT” training course for members of
the Sendai Fire Department8           8 - 9
10Medical healthcare experience for middle-school students of the Miyagi area at the school of medicine
Simulation training course for nurse practitioners“Simulation User Network” to utilize simulation technology in medical education in the Tohoku region

2019    1 - 2

Lecture “Simulation for emergency responses in case of allergic reactions” for paramedics,		teachers and nurses.

           8 - 9“Workshop on Disaster Readiness Support for Home Ventilator Wearers” co-hosted by		

the Sendai City Support Center for Persons with Disabilities

2020

1

Admission
Counter

Outpatients
Examination
Room

Waiting
Room

PCR Test
CenterWorkshop on PROST, a new educational system for ambulance-crew, held at the 28th National
Ambulance-Crew Symposium

2Special Entrance forSuspected Patients

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Infection control activities in cooperation with local
communities and the government

054

3

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Starting treatment of COVID-19 patients4

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Providing ECMO training workshops

055

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine]

◆◆

◆◆

◆◆

Clinicopathological Conference utilizing Virtual
Microscopes and Video Conference Systems

Training ECMO Treatment for Patients with
Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction

Simulation of Extra Corporeal Circulation
Devices

In order to establish appropriate treatment and gain deeper
understanding of the patient’s condition, it is important for clinicians
and pathologists to share information and work together. However,there is a severe shortage of pathologists in disaster stricken areas. We
therefore utilize virtual microscopes and video conference systems
to remotely discuss individual cases and support the people of thosecommunities.

In order to increase effectiveness and not rely on the skills of individual,
experienced staff, we introduced team based training for treatment ofpatients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Paramedics of the region as
well as medical staff involved in disaster medical care have the opportunity
to receive training with extra corporeal circulation devices and experiencevarious scenarios regarding priming, ECHO at cannulationand othermethods, that will support theiractivities. In 2019, the course
attracted about 150 participants.
In 2020, we orgranized ECMO
training workshops for treatmentof COVID-19 patients.

Although many extra corporeal circulation devices dealing withcardiopulmonary arrest have been introduced in recent years, themanagement and operation depends entirely on the skills and experienceof the staff. We therefore
developed specialized circuits
a n d e qu i p m e n t t o t r a i n
staff involved in emergency
and critical care of local
communities to increase
their skill level regarding
treatment and operation ofrelated devices.

Discussion using the remote conference system◆◆◆◆

Open Interactions with Local Communities
through the Tohoku University Clinical Skills
Laboratory

Program for Kampo Medicine Useful for
Everyday Treatment, Community Health Care,and Times of Disasters

In order to contribute to the recovery of the health caresystem in areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake,
we established the Tohoku University Clinical Skills Laboratory
for open interactions with local communities in June 2012 with support
from the government and the prefecture. We educate people in clinicalskills utilizing medical treatment simulators and team training for
medical safety, providing a practice oriented scenario based training.
Since 2016, we had 16,000-17,000 participants, 1/3 of which were nonuniversity members. We will continue our open community engagement
to provide specialized training and practices.

Based on the experiences of the disaster medical treatment activities
using Kampo medicine at evacuation shelters after the Great East Japan
Earthquake, we organize workshops and seminars for utilization of
Kampo medicine in various situations such as times of disasters as wellas community health care since July 2011. Since July 2012, 48 seminars
with a total of 734 participants and 27 training workshops with a totalof 1077 participants were organized.

Tohoku University Clinical Skills Laboratory Participants
People20,00017,604 17,518 17,396

18,00015,507 15,269

16,00014,000

16,258◆◆◆◆

Hands-on training of medical care in disaster
stricken communities“SimMarathon & SimNight :Real Simulation of Emergency situations“

Since July 2011 , we provided a medical educational program within
the areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in collaboration
with regional hospitals for the medical students from all over Japan.
The aim of this program is to provide opportunities to gain experiencein disaster related medical care for the medical students.. As of March
2019, the program attracted 141 participants and 17 students werei n v o lv e d i n t he r e gi o n a lhands-on training after 2017.
Many participants expressed
the training affected theirattitude toward their studies
and the decision for their
future career paths.

Duty in emergency rooms or intensive care units requirecomprehensive decision making and swift treatment adequate to thepatient’s state. Treating emergency patients is often very stressful for
medical staff. In order to provide opportunities to gain experience andtraining of these situations, we arranged real-life situations with highfunctional simulators for all members of the region involved in medicalcare. Participants have the opportunity to obtain experience that will
help them to save more people during their activities. In 2019, thecourse attracted about 30 participants.

12,80912,00010,000

8,864

8,000
6,000

5,745

4,000
2,000
0

056

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year

057

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine]◆◆◆◆

Crowd funding “With Corona! Fostering
the Key to Community Health Care andAdvanced Medical Care”

New International Collaboration During the
COVID-19 Pandemic

The Tohoku University Clinical Skills Laboratory has been providing
educational support to health care professionals in disaster stricken
communities after the earthquake, and is also developing a new training
program for medical staff to treat COVID-19 infections since 2020.
However, many of the simulators and medical equipment currently
installed for training purposes have been in place for about 10 years,
and many are old or do not have the necessary functions to learn latest
medical techniques. On the other hand, it is also difficult for universities
to raise the high cost of updating the equipment on our own.
As a result, the School of Medicine decided to start a 15 million JPY
crowd funding project on February 2, 2021. By using crowd funding
to cover a parts of the cost of updating ECMO (external corporeal
membrane artificial lung), ventilators, as well as doll-type simulators, wewill be able to further enhance the training environment and support
medical professionals who can save as many critically ill patients as
possible.

PosterPress conference (February 2, 2021)◆◆

Preventive Measures against COVID-19 inPractical Education by Introducing Portable
Dental Units
Treatment using rotary cutting instruments is one of the mostimportant basic operations in dentistry, but in the past, there was only
one laboratory equipped with rotary cutting instruments for practicaltraining, so about 50 students had to gather in one room during
practical training using these instruments.
With the nationwide spread of COVID-19, and while promoting
online classes as a measure to prevent infection, the urgent issue was how
to avoid a highly dangerous situation in some practical training courses,
which are difficult to conduct online.
Therefore, the Graduate School of Dentistry introduced 13 new
portable dental units and placed them in another practice rooms toallow social distancing during practical education using rotary cutting
equipment. As a result, we could maintain our standards in practicaleducation and also assure a safe environment for our students during
their training.
Furthermore, since the portable dental unit can be easily taken outof the training rooms, it can be used for medical rescue and oral healthactivities in the event of a large-scale disaster, such as the Nankai TroughEarthquake expected in the future, as well as equipment for emergency
dental care in hospitals that respond to infectious diseases such as therecent COVID-19 crisis.

Portable dental unit: A suitcase-like mobile case that opens to become a dental
treatment device.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has had a profound impact
not only on dental practice, education, and research, but also on
international exchange. The Graduate School of Dentistry has been
trying various approaches on how to maintain and develop international
exchange activities during the COVID-19 crisis.
In March, we were informed of mask shortages and other medical
supplies due to the outbreak in China, so we provided masks, medical
gowns, and medical caps as medical aid supplies to one of our partner
institutions, the Dalian Stomatological hospital. In late April, whenserious mask shortages were expected in Japan as well due to the firstwave of COVID-19, we received 12,200 masks in return by our partner
institutions in China (Dalian Stomatological hospital, Dental Medical
Devices Testing Center of Peking University School of Stomatology,
and Fujian Medical University School of Stomatology) (Figure 1). The
masks greatly contributed to the resumption of face-to-face training
at the School of Dentistry in June, as well as to the early resumptionof infection prevention measures for University Hospital staff and thedental departments.
Furthermore, we shared information with our partners in Asia about
the state of dental education during the crisis. A guideline development
committee was also established at the Association for Dental Education,
Asia Pacific (ADEAP), chaired by Professor Hong, Director of theDivision for Globalization Initiative, Graduate School of Dentistry.
In collaboration with 12 dental colleges in the Asia-Pacific region, the“Guidelines for Dental Education under the-COVID-19 Pandemic” wasestablished and released in June. These guidelines have not only served
as the basis for the regulations and checklists of the Safety Office in the
education of the Graduate School and as a guideline for the resumptionof face-to-face education, but have also become the foundation for
dental education at universities in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the field of dental education, we introduced a hybrid modelin which online and face-to-face classes are combined. For practicaltraining in specialized subjects where practice is essential, it is howeververy difficult to use only the online method. Additionally, restrictions
on overseas travel continued, and dental students from Taiwan was
unable to return to Japan from her temporary visit. In that situation
she could not participate in clinical skill training. Therefore, theDivision for Globalization Initiative, Graduate School of Dentistry
rearranged the educational program so that part of the clinical skill
training could be conducted at our partner school, the College ofDental Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. Thisinitiative was highly praised by Kaohsiung Medical University as
a new approach to the development of dental education throughinternational collaboration, and was commended by Kaohsiung
Medical University as a “good practice” for higher education during
the COVID-19 crisis.
These efforts are not only a good precedent for international
collaboration in the COVID-19 era, but also a model for overseas
cooperation and educational collaboration in the event of large-scaledisasters, and will greatly contribute to the construction of a resilientinternational joint education system that is resistant to both pandemics
and disasters.

Receiving masks

From right to left: Dean Tzer-Min Lee, School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical
University; Ms. Liu (3rd year student at Tohoku University); President Yun-Jyh
Jon, Kaohsiung Medical University; Lead Professor Ker-Kong Chen, School of
Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University

Teachers being briefed on how to use the system before practical training.

058

059

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Comprehensive Education Center for Community Medicine]

◆◆

◆◆

◆◆

◆◆

Development of the original face shield“DATE Shield” in departmental collaboration

Disaster Dental Healthcare Practice inDisaster Stricken Areas

Lectures on “Disaster Dental Science” at theFaculty of Dentistry

Global Communication of Disaster Dental
Science from Tohoku University

In spring 2020, the need for face shields increased in medical
institutions as a countermeasure against COVID-19, making it difficult
to obtain over-the-counter products. The Dental Laboratory at Tohoku
University Hospital has been manufacturing face shields using 3D
printers and supplying them to the University Hospital since thebeginning of the strict infection control measures. However, due to the
spread of infection, further increase in supply was required.
Therefore, as a response to the high demand from medical staff at
the University Hospital, we developed the original face shield “DATE
Shield” in collaboration with the Graduate School of Dentistry, theGraduate School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Biomedical
Engineering, and provided the face shields to medical staff.
The developed face shield has the following characteristics:- Use of high transparent and low cost OHP film for handwriting madeby 3M
- Lightweight materials with necessary strength, weighing only about 30g- No adhesives used to enable immersion disinfection- Fixation with Rubber band significantly reduces stress on the user, suchas headaches caused by prolonged use- Readily available and inexpensive materials achieves low cost
- As an option, "Anti-reflection film moth-eye type" made by Dexerials
Corporation was adopted to achieve ultra-high transparency and antifogging shield- DATE symbolizes the medical-dental-engineering collaboration at Tohoku
University
D: Dentistry
A: Alliance
T: Tohoku University
E: Engineering / Biomedical Engineering
We have produced about 800 faceshields and use them not only at
Tohoku University Hospital but also
donated them to hospitals in regional
communities such as the National
Hospital Organization Sendai Medical
Center, Miyagi Prefecture Dental DATE Shield
Association, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Top: Straight Type
Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical Bottom: Round Type
University Hospital, Japanese Red Cross
Ishinomaki Hospital, Minamisanriku
Hospital, etc. In the future, we will beseeking the cooperation of a wide rangeof related partners to transfer productionof the newly developed face shield to theprivate sector in order to enable a larger
supply.
Furthermore, inter-departmental
collaboration of this kind will serve
as a model not only for responding to
COVID-19, but also for demonstrating Wearing the DATE Shield
our capabilities in a wide range of disaster (Round Type)situations.

This exercise was established in 2012 in order for students and interns
to evaluate the necessary functions of medical care during times of hugecatastrophes by talking to dentists and disaster victims on site, grow as aperson possibly responding to disasters in the future, and to get a feelingof what is important to each and every one. Since 2016, we also have
many students from other universities participating.

As the only comprehensive university experiencing one of the worst
global disasters in history, we teach our students the importance ofdisaster dental care and treatment from a very early stage. Furthermore,during our lectures, we are acquiring, educating, and preparing young
human resources who might be involved in future mega disasters. In
2014, the lectures were officially integrated in the curriculum and arealso open to foreign students.

As only comprehensive university struck by the Great East Japan
Earthquake, we see it as part of our mission to pass our experience,
knowledge, as well as the issues and problems on to the next generation.
We proactively engage in global communication and organizationof symposia with e.g. Sichuan University, which also experienced agreat earthquake. Furthermore, based on a Japanese proposal, we are
currently working to standardization of a global dental dataset and areparticipating in ISO.

060

◆◆

◆◆

Nursing Skills Workshop for Visiting Nurses
We co-hosted a training
session on nursing techniquessuch as CV port management,
auscultation of respiratory
sounds, and stoma carefor visiting nurses with the
Miyagi Prefecture Liaison
Council of Visiting Nurse
Stations.

◆◆

Workshops on Disaster Oral Health Science
Preparing for Catastrophes

Various Workshops for Disaster andCommunity Medical Care

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, many issues and problems
regarding oral health care became obvious. In order to prepare for futurecatastrophes and mega disasters, we deem it necessary to design an
integrated system covering the communities and various organizations
including universities, collaborate with municipalities and affiliate
professions, and establish an information sharing system. Learning fromthe experiences of the disaster in 2011, we at the Graduate School of
Dentistry analyzed and assessed the dental health care response after themega disaster and organize workshops to reevaluate the details.

The Graduate School of Dentistry provides on-site dental treatment,
eating and swallowing rehabilitation, and perioperative oral management
seminars. Although these are fields with very high demand in the current
aging society at times of disasters, they are not sufficiently taught during
undergraduate education. The workshops are organized in cooperation
with other universities and have active participation by many students
and affiliates.

061

Project 02
Project for the Reconstructionof Community Health Care
Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization

The Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) was founded
to recover community health care and regenerate medical treatment
capabilities in disaster stricken areas damaged by the Great East Japan
Earthquake, respond to the global trend to utilize large scaled medical
information, and to establish a new system for medical care..
ToMMo conducts long-term cohort studies of 150,000 residents intotal, accumulating the multiple information upon consent to obtain
detailed data regarding their health including the genomic information.
The information was then analyzed and utilized to establish
personalized medicine, the ambition to provide necessary health carefor each on everyone based on their genetic information and theireveryday habits. Furthermore, we established an integrated biobank
accumulating biological specimens, health data and detailed analyses
and are sharing these specimen and information with nationwide
scientists for the research purpose. In addition, we established theToMMo Clinical Fellow System to provide education and circulationof physicians in disaster stricken areas and thus support medical
institutions in regional hospitals of Tohoku’s coastal area. We arealso involved in training and education for various medical and related
professionals, such as genome medical research coordinators, certified
genetic counselors, data scientists and data managers who treats thebig data in advanced life sciences.
We strive to establish Tohoku-made “Next-Generation Medicine”
utilizing the analyses of the biobank as well as the support of the people.

062

Project Leader
Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization

Executive Director
Masayuki Yamamoto

When the Great East Japan Earthquake brought
unprecedented disaster to the region, our goal was tofind some hope through our actions. As a consequenceof intensive discussions, we have reached the idea ofnext-generation medicine and personalized health care.
It has been 10 years since March 11, 2011. We havebeen supporting the community medicine in the tsunami
devastated area, conducting two cohort studies of the
Tohoku Medical Megabank Project, and established
an integrated biobank. We always communicate ourfindings to the participants of our cohorts and also
partners in the community. The obtained information
has been vital for researchers not only in Japan but
worldwide. We will carry on our contributions related tohealth care in disaster-stricken communities, utilize thepower of the integrated biobank, and further develop
personalized medicine and healthcare with the help ofgenome information to realize and practically implement
the next-generation medicine.

063

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization]

Project Activities

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care◆◆

Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization

Actions Related to the COVID-19 Crisis

2012

2

Establishment of Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo)

9

Cooperation agreement between ToMMo and the prefecture of Miyagi as well as all 35 municipalities

10

Begin of ToMMo Clinical Fellow

11

Begin of ToMMo Child Health Study (~2016.3)

12 2013

Setting up Community Support Centers in 7 places of Miyagi as base for health investigations

4

Symposium “A Healthy Miyagi Created by Everybody”

5

Cooperation agreement of Tohoku University and Iwate Medical University

5

Begin of TMM CommCohort Study and TMM BirThree Cohort Study

11

Completing the high-accuracy whole genome sequencing analysis of 1,000 healthy

1233 briefing sessions to explain result of TMM CommCohort Study to benefit community

Japanese people (up to 15 million new single nucleotide variants gathered)

Kesennuma
Community
Support Center

Osaki
Community
Support Center

TagajoCommunity
Support Center
Sendai Community Support Center
Sendai Child Health Square

health care at various places in Miyagi (~2016.10)2014

7

Begin operation of ToMMo’s Supercomputer System “Large scale genome cohort analysis system”

7Completion ceremony of the ToMMo Building and First Community Council Meeting

12

Commercialization of the SNP array “Japonica Array™” optimized for Japanese people

6

Acquisition of the ISO9001 certificate at the Biobank of ToMMo

2015

8

Success of comprehensive high-accuracy whole-genome sequencing of 1,070 Japanesepeople, publication of result in Nature Communications

12
2016

2

Release of the locations and allele frequencies of all SNVs in the whole genome reference panel
Success in treatment effectiveness assessments of acute lymphoblastic leukemia using
the whole genome sequencing

4

Development of the Integrated Database “dbTMM”, integrating the large scaled healthsurvey data and the genome analysis information

8

Release of the Japanese Reference Genome Sequence (JRG)

12

Begin operation of remote security area for ToMMo Supercomputer System utilization outside ToMMo

2

Begin data distribution SNP array data of 10,000 people, etc.

3

End up recruiting of TMM CommCohort Study and TMM BirThree Cohort Study

2017

4

Ishinomaki
Community
Support Center

Shiroishi
Community
Support Center

IwanumaCommunity
Support Center

Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, ToMMo’s health survey
was forced to slow down activities in order to take all possible measures
to safely continue the survey. The biological specimens and information
stored at ToMMo from before the pandemic are of special value and wehave multiple collaborative research projects and activities to analyze theillness.
Furthermore, we are also working to communicate information to
the general public about the largely unknown illness of COVID-19
including tie-ups with TV stations.
Professor Eiichi.N.Kodama appearing on TV.

◆◆◆◆

Utilizing Results from the Cohort Study in
Collaborative Research with JAXA

Pilot Study on Return of Genomic Results
the Cohort Study

Results from the cohort study have applications in many fields,
one of which is research in space. In February 2019, ToMMo and
JAXA concluded a cooperation agreement on the use of the Japaneseexperiment module “Kibo” of the International Space Station withthe goal to contribute to the realization of a healthier and longer life.
Comparing blood analyses with mice which stayed on “Kibo” withresults from the cohort study, we were able to determine new findings,
which were published in September 2020.
The possibilities from the cohort study data are endless and will not
only be utilized in Tohoku or Japan, but the entire world, even reaching
space.

It was our promise to participants of the cohort study that we will
inform them of any useful health information obtained from the analysisof their genetic information. This also greatly contributes to our goal of
personalized medicine and prevention. However, there have been almost
no similar actions in the world and the psychological and emotionalchanges that may result from knowing results of genetic information are
not well understood.
By September 2020, more than 380 people has participante for thepilot study related to “Familial Hypercholesterolemia” and “Genetic
information on drug responsiveness (PGx)”. If the test results reveal
genetic information that should be reported, we refer the participantsto Tohoku University Hospital or other institutions and analyze thepsychological and psychiatric changes as well.

Cooperation Agreement Ceremony

Explanation by clinical geneticist

Tohoku Medical Megabank (TMM) Project symposium “Medical Care in the Future andRecovery of Tohoku via Data Sharing”

2018

8

Second Community Council Meeting of the TMM Project in Miyagi

6Adding the mitochondria and X chromosome to the genome sequencing of 3,500 people (3.5KJPNv2)

8

The human metabolome data registered in jMorp2018 exceeds 10,000 people.

12

Press conference regarding the bone density of participants of the cohort study who were

		
2019

heavily affected by the disaster in 2011
1

1-2
2
		
2019

2020

Brain-MRI project exceeds 10,000 data sets
Public briefing and reporting of long-term health observations to participants and supporters of the study
Release of the genome reference panel “JG1”, that will provide a model for the genome
analysis of Japanese people

4

Creation of iPS cells with long-term storage samples from the biobank

9Development of “Array™ NEO” and commercial services

10

Third Community Council Meeting of the TMM Project in Miyagi

12

Begin of health survey on developmental characteristics of 5-year-olds

3

Collaborative research with the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association

4

Collaborative research with the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.

8

New samples and information related to TMM BirThree Cohort Study, expanding
information to distribute to the entire study of ca. 150,000 participants

89Releasing  whole-genome reference panels based on the genome analysis data of 8,300 participants
Releasing findings of accelerated aging related to long-term stay space, obtained incollaborative research with JAXA

9064

Establishing a visiting remote security area in the Nihonbashi Branch065

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization]◆◆◆◆

Collaborative Research with the Japan
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association

Providing Important Health Information toMembers of Local Communities

ToMMo started a collaborative research project with the Japan
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association to share health information,
genome information, and biological specimens of 150,000 people,
with the aim of achieving “early practical application of preventive andpreemptive medical solutions" as proposed by the Association. Throughcollaborative research such as investigating the relationship between
questionnaire data on lifestyle, MRI imaging data, omics data, etc., weare promoting the social implementation of Next-Generation Medicine
and the further creation of innovative drugs and medical technologies
by acquiring and analyzing data based on needs for new drug creations.
Through these kinds of collaborations ToMMo aims to contribute to thehealth of people in communities not only at home but also overseas.

In order to make use of the results of the health survey, we held a totalof 33 briefing sessions at ToMMo in Miyagi by October 2016, mainly
for those who participated in the cohort survey. There were also sevenproject briefing sessions in 2018. A total of about 3,000 people attended
the meetings.
The results of the survey are also reported to local municipalities andlocal medical institutions, and are used as a reference for administrative
purposes. We will continue to support health care of people in disaster
stricken communities and communicate our findings of our studies.
Presenting results of the project in Iwanuma city
Cooperation Agreement Ceremony◆◆◆◆More than 120,000 People Participating in
the Cohort Studies in Miyagi
Beginning in 2013, we organized large scaled cohort studies toinvestigate the long-term health status of residents in Miyagi. In
particular, we prioritized the analysis of diseases and disorders withincreasing numbers among community members affected by the Great
East Japan Earthquake, examining the health status by blood and urine
samples as well as various inspection equipment and questionnaire.
By June 2017 we exceeded our goal of 120,000 participants (157,000
participants including Iwate), and received various of responds e.g.
“I want to take better care of my health based on the health survey

066

results” or “I wish for new ways of medical treatment soon”. Basedon the results, the risk for mental health problems such as depression
or PTSD was higher in the coastal regions of Miyagi than in theinland and furthermore, we observed a correlation between treatment
discontinuation for e.g. elevated blood pressure and the magnitudeof the damage by the Great East Japan Earthquake in coastal regions
as well. Considering the survey results, we also provided support bypsychotherapists to more than 2,500 people at high risk. We wish tocontinue our investigation to bequeath our next-generation of children
how prevention of diseases works and we will advance our research withthe data and biological specimens gathered from these cohort studies toestablish the foundation for Next-Generation Medicine.

◆◆Regional Support Through Cooperation
Agreements with Municipalities in Miyagi

Examination of over 30,000 People atSeven Community Support Centers in Miyagi

In order to attract participants and establish a basis for NextGeneration Medicine, the cooperation of local communities andmunicipalities is essential. In September 2012, we negotiated cooperationagreements between Tohoku University and the Prefecture of Miyagi,
and afterwards between ToMMo and all 35 local municipalities. We
are contributing to the health of the disaster stricken communities byreporting on the health trends that can be seen from the results of ourstudy and utilize them in health policies.

In order to conduct the cohort studies and support regional wellbeing,
we at ToMMo established Community Support Center at seven placesin Miyagi. During the TMM CommCohort Study, we measured bonedensity measurement and body composition, as well as examined oral
health check-up and audiometry, inspected the ophthalmic structure andtested the respiratory functionality of more than 30,000 participants.
Our main objective is to support health promotion and to function as an
essential part in managing the wellbeing of the region, thus contributing
to the everyday life in local communities.

Cooperation Agreement with municipalities in Miyagi

Kesennuma Community Support Center

Signning ceremony of the cooperation agreement between Miyagi Prefecture
and Tohoku University

Oral health check-ups

067

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization]◆◆◆◆

Foundation for Next-Generation Medicine
Based on One of Japan’s Largest Biobank

Supercomputer System for Nationwide
Access by Researchers

A biobank is a system to conserve biological specimens administeredfor research purposes. The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project’s biobank
contains all the biological specimens (several million) e.g. blood, urine,
saliva, provided by participants during the cohort studies. As one of
the largest in Japan, our biobank can be utilized by a vast number of
researchers, building the foundation for Next-Generation Medicine andcontributing to the establishment of better medical treatment in the future.

In order to analyze the data and samples provided by ca. 150,000
participants including residents of disaster stricken communities in
Miyagi and Iwate, we are utilizing a Supercomputer System since 2014.
In July 2020, we also established the Nihonbashi Branch for joint usage
and as of November 2020 remote security areas (external terminal
for utilization of e.g. big data) in 26 places in Japan are available sonationwide researchers can access this system.

◆◆

Distributing Biological Specimens andInformation about All 150,000 Participantsof the Cohort Study
As of August 2020, we are distributing biological specimens andinformation obtained from long-term health surveys of ca. 150,000
people. Genome information integrated with information from cohort
studies, such as data obtained from blood and urine samples, medical
history from questionnaire, or information about the lifestyle, is the firstof its kind of this magnitude in Japan.
We are expecting rapid progress toward the realization of personalized
medicine and prevention as well as Next-Generation Medicine throughthe nationwide utilization of this information by researchers.

◆◆

Fostering the Next Generation of Experts
Including as GMRCs and Genetic Counselors
We educate and foster GMRCs (Genome Medical Research
Coordinator), professional staff capable of conducting appropriate
means to obtain informed consents (IC), and as of October 2020, 132
GMRCs are participating in our projects. Furthermore, we certified
four genetic counselors, bioinformatics scientists, and data managers, allessential human resources for our projects at ToMMo.

◆◆
Supercomputer systems essential to genome research◆◆Complete Whole Genome Sequencing of
8,300 People in Japan – Establishing a WholeGenome Reference Panel◆◆

Emergenct Return of Results to More than
850 Participants – Cohort Studies Outcomes
Directly Connected to Health Management
The number of emergent return of results to participants of ourcohort studies at ToMMo reached more than 850 cases by September
2020. Letters recommending medical check-ups were sent in casesof blood bone marrow diseases and provided referral form for a
speedy examination process. We also had more than 260 emergency
notifications in cases of suspected brain aneurysms and liver tumors after
MRI examinations.

In August 2020, ToMMo announced the completion of the wholegenome sequencing of 8,300 Japanese people and created a wholegenome reference panel (8.3KJPN). This means we achieved thesequencing of 8,000 people, a goal set in 2013 after the release of
1,000 results. The panel will not only be the foundation of the genome
analysis of Japanese people but also contribute important information
to the development of Next-Generation Medicine rooted in thedisaster stricken areas.

Releasing Omics Information of 25,000
Participants on the Web
The Japanese Multilayer Omics Reference Panel (jMorp) was
upgraded in August 2020 by conducting NMR metabolome analysis for
25,000 individuals and MS metabolome analysis for 3,000 individuals
based on the blood samples received from the health survey. The
database is open to the public so that researchers around the world canuse it as a basis for a wide range of medical research.

◆◆Support of Disaster Stricken Medical
Institutions by System of Dispatching
Physicians on a Rotation Basis
Due to the damages from the tsunami of the Great East Japan
Earthquake, many medical institutions in the coastal region lost
patients, staff, facilities, and medical records. We at ToMMo introduced
the “ToMMo Clinical Fellowship Program (System of Dispatching
Physicians on a Rotation Basis)” in 2012. The system dispatches young
medical doctors in turns to medical institutions in disaster stricken
areas for four months, where they are working energetically to support
medical care in coastal regions.

Support by “ToMMo Clinical Fellows”
Photo: Kenichi Chiba

068

069

Project 02

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization]

◆◆

◆◆

◆◆

◆◆

Child Health After the Great East Japan
Earthquake – Findings via Large Scaled
SurveysMisato Town Mayor Says “Health survey of
the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project willcontribute to the health of residents”

We conducted surveys for guardians of elementary and middle school
children in Miyagi over fourth-year and gained the cooperation of 17,043
people in total. The number of children with suspected difficulties ineveryday life was 2,386. 94 children had severe conditions of bronchialasthma, but did not receive any medical care or treatment. Clinicalpsychologists and public health nurses conducted telephone consultations
with a total of 1,609 people as well as ca. 110 direct interviews.

“The project makes significant contributions to improving the healthof the town's residents. To protect the health of the town's residents,
the town would like to cooperate with the project as much as possible.”(Misato Town Mayor Seiichi Aizawa)“An Open Heart to Accept All Facets ofPatients”“Appreciation”“It is difficult to establish a relationship with patients who truly open
their heart to someone. This is even more so with disaster victims. We
therefore continue our dialogue to accept all facets of our patients with
an open mind.” (Keiichi Kondo, MD, Ph. D. Tohoku University)

Photo: Kenichi Chiba◆◆

Misato Town Mayor Seiichi Aizawa at a regional council meeting

Blessed with New Life◆◆

Permanent Exhibition about Genome
Medicine at the Sendai City Science Museum◆◆

Health Care Events in Miyagi – Toward
Health Awareness in the Entire Prefecture
Including events for mothers and children, we at ToMMo organized
health care events in various places of Miyagi with high interest of local
communities and many participants. Lectures regarding intestines or
nutrition, talk sessions with celebrities, demonstration of health inspection
equipment, or health gymnastics performed by cheerleaders of the local
soccer club Vegalta Sendai were very popular aspects of the event.

We began the exhibition “The Nano Travel of ATGC” in November
2013 at the Sendai City Science Museum on the topic of personalized
medicine and prevention based on advancements in genome science.
The permanent exhibition on the third floor of the museum displays anano scale trip through a human’s body, displaying a story where visitors
can learn e.g. that each and everyone’s genome differs, and entertaining
more than 200,000 visitors each year.

◆◆

Witnessing the Important Event of a
“Childbirth”“After the disaster I met my husband
and moved from Tokyo to Miyagi. Blessedwith a new life, I had the opportunity to bewith the ToMMo for 10 months and was
rewarded with an adorable child. I wish forthis child to grow sound and healthy.” (Amessage card at the UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction.)“The work of a Genome
Medical Research
Coordinator (GMRC)
involved in the cohort study
appears at a singular instancein a participant’s life,
witnesses the important eventof the “childbirth”, and thenfades away. I believe it to bea sincere honor.” (Hisako
Kusano, ToMMo GMRC)

Message cards at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Photo: Kenichi Chiba◆◆

Photo: Kenichi Chiba◆◆

Tohoku University as Center for NextGeneration Medical Care and State-of-theArt Research“As President of the Miyagi Medical
and Welfare Information Network(MMWIN®), I want to cooperate with thisproject. I wish for Tohoku to be a centerof research for Next-Generation Medical
Care.“ (Kenji Kakazu, President of the
Miyagi Medical Association at the time)

Kenji Kakazu, President of the Miyagi Medical
Association, at a regional council meeting070“Three years after the disaster,survivors are still grieving
their losses. We have tried tosupport them in their grieving
process and help them torelieve their psychological pain
by offering telephone support.
We feel great appreciation andadmiration for the survivors
who shared their stories, pain,
and agony.“ (Interview ofKotomi Shingu, M.A., clinicalpsychologist, ToMMo, 2014)

Repeat Assessment of the Long-term Health
SurveyIn order to establish personalized medicine and prevention, a longterm observation of healthy individuals is necessary to obtain reference
data comparable to patients with illnesses. As of 2017 we started repeat
assessment center-based survey during second period. It has been
almost 4 years since the first survey and we are asking participants again
to submit samples of blood, urine and other details for the survey.
Furthermore, we included children to analyze their development andmonitor personal conditions.
Checking skin condition

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Project 02

Project for the Reconstruction of Community Health Care  [Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization]◆◆

Interviews

The Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization is conducting along-term cohort study with a total of 157,000 participants fromlocal communities. Utilizing research results from one of thelargest biobanks in Japan, we are planning to develop “NextGeneration Medicine” in Tohoku.

◆◆

iPS Cell Development from Blood Specimensof Long-term Health Survey Participants

Release of the “Japanese Reference
Genome”

In collaboration with Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Researchand Application, ToMMo succeeded to create iPS cells from blood
specimens of six participants of the long-term health survey. Thisestablished new possibilities to build iPS cells with special characteristics
based on the detailed data of the 150,000 participants. Fortunately,
many people from the region participated in the long-term healthsurvey. And we are thankful to each and everyone for making thescientific progress possible.

In order to conduct genome analysis, a reference is essential.
Currently many researchers utilize the international reference genome,
which has entries not suitable for the analysis of the genome of Japanesepeople.
The “Japanese Reference Genome” JG1 was created in 2019 based on
the genome information of the people who participated in the long-term
health survey, and JG2, with much improved accuracy, was released by
ToMMo online in 2020. Employing this Japanese reference genome
for further analysis, it will be possible to study causes of illnesses andestablish new methods for medical treatment.

Public briefing and reporting of long-term healthobservations to participants and supporters of thestudy, January - February 2019.

Executive Director of the Tohoku
Medical Megabank Organization

Masayuki Yamamoto
Executive Director of the Tohoku Medical Megabank
Organization since 2012 after steps as Lecturer at
Tohoku University, Professor at the University ofTsukuba, Professor at Tohoku University and Deanof the Graduate School of Medicine. Specialization in
medical biochemistry and oxygen biology.

Press release in collaboration with Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell
Research and Application◆◆

The Impact of Damage to Housing Throughthe Long-term Health Survey
In the course of the long-term health survey with more than 150,000
participants, many research results emerged, that will greatly benefit
everyday life in the communities. As an example, we found a connectionof the participant’s bone density messurement to the damage of the
housings during the disaster. Most notably, people whose houses wereseverely damaged, generally displayed a lower density than people whose
houses were only lightly damaged. Compared with the first study, theeffects had a greater impact on the people over time, suggesting a vicious
cycle of “damage to the homes → lower daily step-count → lower bonedensity messurement”. The long-term survey will continue to contributeto the everyday life of the people in the communities and, in the longrun, will lead to the full, non-superficial recovery of the region.

072

Assistant Professor Jun Takayama (second from right) received the AMED
President's Award at the 3rd Japan Medical Research and Development Awards
in recognition of his work on JG1.

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

I am grateful that we have been able topromote the projects of the Tohoku Medical
Megabank Organization (ToMMo) for the
past 10 years. But it is also true that we are far
from our goal and there is no time to reminisce
about our feelings. ToMMo was establishedduring the reconstruction process of disasterstricken areas with the objective to realize next
-generation medicine. We have established a good
relationship to the participants and communities
and have been communicating and updating our
findings as much as possible. One of our salient
achievements is the establishment of the integrated
biobank, which integrates biological specimens,
information of the health survey as well as themulti-omics analysis results. This biobank is not
only a new research tool for the world to generate
new ideas, but it is also an essential infrastructure
for developed countries. The biobank is foundedby the health information of the long-term cohort
study. The real praise should go to the participants
and contributors who cooperated with our project,
as well as predecessors of our medical school, whoestablished the connection of trust with the local
communities, and our members who worked hardon the detailed aspects of this project.
We wish to continue the Birth and Three
Generation Cohort Study, aiming to follow-up
pregnant women and their families for 30 years,
as this way we will be able to see the children
born in this study reach adulthood. The cohort
with pedigree of this magnitude is unprecedented,
so we are hoping to archive results unparalleledin the world. Based on these activities, we will
be able to promote personalized medicine andhealthcare in our society.
ToMMo has roots in disaster reconstruction
and has been the fully supported by Tohoku
University. Tohoku University wishes tocontribute to disaster reconstructions from various
aspects, including the reconstruction of regional
health care in disaster-stricken communities. The
reconstruction process may look different after
additional years, but we will continue to be anorganization that supports local communities andwatches over people’s health.

The Restoration and Recovery of Medical Caretoward Next-Generation Medicine◆◆

Collaborative Research and Industry
Cooperation
By adding the long-term health survey to our activities, we werealso able to promote collaborative research with the industry. Among avariety of projects, we are currently analyzing the relation of disorders
such as high blood pressure to data obtained from the everyday life incollaboration with OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., Ltd., utilizing
tools such as urinary sodium-to-potassium radio monitoring device.
Furthermore, we are analyzing the intake effect of lactic acid bacteria
and the impact of the intestinal flora on the personal condition incollaboration with Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

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Project 03
Project for Environmental Energy

This project aspires to create an alternative energy network
independent from traditional infrastructures in disaster stricken areas
which experiences long term blackouts during the Great East Japan
Earthquake. We are developing renewable energy resources for thecommunities, as well as a system to manage the off-grid electric
distribution.
Research and development is conducted at Tohoku University as
core research center and we established the “Consortium for the Nextgeneration Energies for Tohoku Recovery” in collaboration with affiliatedmunicipalities to promote new resources of energy and the necessary
management system to society and lead the recovery of Tohoku. We
have three main research objectives.

[Research Objectives]

Objective 1 : R&D on Wave Power and Other Ocean Renewable Energies
Applicable to the Sanriku Coast
Objective 2 : R&D on Algae Biofuels
Objective 3 : R&D on Integrated Community Renewable Energy Control
Systems to Enhance Human and Vehicle Mobility

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Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for Environmental Energy

Project Activities

Project for Environmental Energy

Objective 1 : R&D on Wave Power and Other Ocean Renewable Energies Applicable to the Sanriku Coast
◆◆◆

2012

9

“Kick-off Symposium for the Recovery of Tohoku and R&D of Next Generation Energy”

2013

3

“International Symposium for the Recovery of Tohoku and R&D of Next Generation Energy”

4

Joint research initiation ceremony of Ishinomaki and Tohoku University at Kazuma
elementary school, Ishinomaki

4Opening ceremony of the “Algae Biomass Technology Development Laboratory”
at the Minami Gamou Sewage Treatment Plant, starting experiments on “R&D on
Microalgae Energy Utilization”

7

Letter of appreciation presented by Ishinomaki for the installation of the EMS
controlled solar power system in public facilities of Ishinomaki           7 - 8

Special exhibition at the Sendai Science Museum on fuel generation from algae

12“Osaki-Tohoku University Forum”, reporting on R&D achievement utilizing biomass

12

Presentation of recovery projects at energy mobility integrated management systemand heat from hot springs
testing facilities to Prime Minister Abe visiting Miyagi
2014

6“Briefing and electric car testing session for residents” on Tashiro Island, Ishinomaki

7“ene café METHANE” utilizing biogas energy resources in parking spaces in Naruko

10“Presentation Ceremony of Solar Power Systems” on Tashiro Island, Ishinomaki

10

R&D overview and progress presentation to Prime Minister Abe at microalgae

11

Installation of tidal power generation devices at Sabusawa waterways in Shiogama

energy utilization testing site at the Minami Gamou Sewage Treatment Plant
2015

3

Study tour of the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction presenting
the microalgae energy utilization testing site at the Minami Gamou Sewage
Treatment Plant and the multi-purpose power supply facility at Aobayama Campus

66		

Development of new transformation methods for algae oils to transportation fuels
Power transmission from the tidal power plant of Sabusawa Island to refrigeratorsof the Fisheries Cooperative Association

12”Special Good Life Award from the Minister of the Environment” at the Third Good

12

Presentation ceremony of the multi-purpose power supply station installed in◆◆◆

Realization of Tidal Power and Wave Power
Generation in Disaster Stricken Marine Areas

The First Grid-Connected Oceanic Energy
Power Plant of Japan

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we had numerous requests
from communities of coastal regions which were affected by long-lasting
blackouts to utilize the oceanic energy for power generation. In order tocomply, we initiated the research project “Research and Development
on Oceanic Renewable Energy such as Wave Power for Applications
at the Sanriku Coast” and contributed to the recovery of Tohoku after
the disasters of the earthquake and the tsunami. To demonstrate thepossibilities of oceanic renewable energy, we developed power generationequipment in collaboration with local corporations, and accomplishedthe installation in marine areas and thus the support of power supply
by 2016. During the advancements in oceanic energy we had to face
not only technical problems, but also issues with regulations such as
the Electricity Business Act and the Public Waters Reclamation Law as
well as the understanding of local residents and affiliates of the fisherybusiness of local communities.
In the course of our project, we solved one complication at a time
and were able to equip Sabusawa Island in Shiogama, Miyagi, witha tidal power generator (5kW) in March 2015 and the Tamanowaki
Area of Kuji, Iwate, with a wave power generator in November 2016,
supporting the power supply for local communities. This was the first
instance of grid-connection in Japan and the generated electricity isprovided without cost to local fishermen’s associations, contributing
to the fishery and the communities of disaster stricken areas.
Based on our achievements, we aim to further increase our engagement
and realize oceanic energy generation on an even larger scale.

In the Strategic Plans for the European Union published in2016, the European Commission stated their goal to provide 10%of their power supply by oceanic energy generation by 2050 andthe prospect of commercialization by 2030, displaying a global
trend of advancements in oceanic energy utilization and promoting
new businesses as well as measures against global warming.
Although the wave and tidal power generation plants developed byour project only have small output, they constitute a rare and valuablecase of Japan’s first oceanic power plant with grid-connection and are
currently attracting attention as one example of power generation andutilization of local communities.

Oceanic tidal power generation facility

Modification and implementation of control programs.

Tidal Power Plant

Life Awards by the Ministry of the Environment for “ene café METHANE”
the parking space of Kagobou Hot Spring Sakuranoyu in Tajiri, Ohsaki
20161Completion of the wave power generator to be installed in Tamanowaki Area, Kuji,
and release of important information to the press

5

Minister for Reconstruction Takagi visits the wave power generator installation site
in Tamanowaki Area, Kuji

5

Official visit of the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meetingin Sendai to the microalgae energy utilization testing site at the Minami Gamou
Sewage Treatment Plant

9

Installation of the wave power generator in Tamanowaki Area

11

Opening the wave power plant in Tamanowaki Area to the general public

11

Installation of EV power stations (V2H) at Kazuma elementary school, Ishinomaki,
completing basic maintenance of necessary elements for the energy mobility
management system

12

Closing Reports on the ”Project for the Next-generation Energies for Tohoku Recovery“

Installing wave power generators

076

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Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for Environmental Energy

Objective 2 : R&D on Algae Biofuels◆◆◆

Toward Efficient Oceanic Energy Generation◆◆◆

Since the Sabusawa waterways at the entrance of Matsushima Bay
in Miyagi have a slower speed of tides due to the subsidence of theseabed and the outflow of sediment by the tsunami, we produced newtype wings out of light-weight aluminum honeycomb material andincreased the number of wings in the tidal generator from four to eight.
Furthermore, we developed a new power generation control method
optimized for irregular waves and are currently verifying the efficiency.
With nationwide participation of 12 companies, we will continue
our joint research and increase the efficiency of power generation in themarine area as well as the modification of control methods.

Power generation during a typhoon

In order to raise wide public attention and awareness of tidal andwave power generation as well as the achievements, we organized public
lectures, press events, and excursions. The tours were visited by the
Minister for Reconstruction and affiliates of electric companies as well

Recovery Program and was supported by local communities with a lot of
attention.

In collaboration with Tsukuba University and the city of Sendai, we
aimed to lower the energy costs for sewage treatment as well as to create
and generate energy from this sewage at the Minami Gamou Sewage
Treatment Plant, utilizing algae biomass. Since 2017, we are continuing
the project in private-public cooperation with more involvement ofprivate companies.
Our research is one of the projects in Sendai City’s Earthquake

Activities:- Optimization of algae cultivation conditions based on genetic
information, etc.
- Development of a wet extraction method for algal oil- Studying practical applications of algae oil- Development of ways to utilize algae culture products for purposes
other than fuel◆◆◆Maintenance of Pilot Outdoors Cultivation
Facility◆◆◆

Raising Public Awareness of Oceanic Energy

Toward a New Sewage Treatment Model in
Private Public Collaboration

as members of communities and high school students from Tagajo,
Miyagi, and Muroran, Hokkaido.
We will continue to proactively announce our research achievements
and organize excursions in order to raise public awareness regarding
oceanic energy and ask for the support and understanding of thecommunity toward further practical implementation.

In order to cultivate algae not with artificial growth media but withsewage outdoors, issues such as contamination of micro-organisms orother foreign bodies occur. We established a pilot outdoors testing
facility (2.5t) capable of filtering sewage water and applying simple
elimination of bacteria for the cultivation of algae, and succeeded inmaintaining similar cultivation results as indoors laboratories.
Pilot Testing Facility at the Minami Gamou Water Purification Center◆◆◆

Cultivation of Strains in Low Salt
Concentration

Excursion with high school students.

In order to cultivate Aurantiochytrium, which are brackish waterorganisms, a certain level of salt concentration is necessary. However,salt leads to corrosion of piping and additional desalination equipment
would be necessary when executing large scaled cultivation on plantlevel. We conducted acclimation experiments of wild strains over 700
days and succeeded in procuring strains which adapted to a low salt
concentration environment and showed favorable growth even in aconcentration of 1/6400 of ocean water.

Cultivation of Strains in Low Salt Concentration◆◆◆

Toward the Development of New Fuels
In order to utilize hydrocarbons obtained from Aurantiochytrium andBotryococcus braunii as substitute for gasoline or jet fuel, the volatility
has to be increased by degradation. We developed a catalyst (Ru/CeO2),
which selectively disconnects the carbon-carbon bonds of low levelsqualene branching, degrading the hydrocarbon to a level of jet fuel,gasoline, or gaseous molecules with low molecular weight.
Aurantiochytrium and Botryococcus braunii attracting attention to substitutetraditional fuel.

078

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Project 03

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for Environmental Energy

Objective 3 : R&D on Integrated Community Renewable Energy Control Systems to Enhance Human and                           Vehicle Mobility◆◆◆

Toward Energy Generation from Sewage
Treatment Plants
The Minami Gamou Water Purification Center which handles
ca. 70% of Sendai’s sewage was almost completely destroyed by thetsunami. In order to not just rebuild the facilities, but to lower theenergy costs for sewage treatment as well as to create and generateenergy from this sewage, “Research and Development on AlgaeBased biofuels” was initiated at the center. The objective was theestablishment of a new, environmentally friendly sewage treatment
model. In this challenging task, we cultivated Aurantiochytrium
and Botryococcus braunii, both hydrocarbon-producing microalgae
attracting attention as fuel production resources to replace oil in the
future, by utilizing inorganic and organic substances derived fromsewage. For the extraction of hydrocarbon fuel, we had to work on awide range of issues such as algae cultivation utilizing sewage or sludge
lysates, the collection, extraction, and reutilization of residues bysolubilization of cells, the modification of the extracted hydrocarbon,
and the life cycle assessment in case of actual full operation.
Our research as “New Energy and Energy Saving Project ’Realizing
Sustainable Energy Supplies’” was one of ten projects in Sendai City’s
Earthquake Recovery Program (2011-2015) and was supported by local
communities with a lot of attraction.

◆◆◆

Designing Local Energy Stations
We developed an autonomous power supply system based onrechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which can be supported in a variety ofways (e.g. solar power) both ordinarily and in times of emergencies, thus
contributing to the functionality improvement of local disaster response
centers. In ordinary times
the system will use energy
obtained from renewable
resources, and in timesof emergencies power
shortages can be avoided
by utilizing the vehicle
to home (V2H) systemof electric cars to provide
p o w e r t o e v a c u a t i o n Energy supply utilizing an electric vehicle (EV)power station (V2H).
shelters.

Microalgae cultivation utilizing sewage.

Solar energy station at Ishinomaki◆◆◆

Preparation for Disaster – Practical
Implementation of Research Outcomes

Botryococcus under a microscope

Minami Gamou Water Purification Center, Sendai.

◆◆◆

Bead Mill Treatment (10min)(a) Milking

Cell Concentration[g/dm³]

The traditional extraction of hydrocarbons from Botryococcus braunii
utilized drying processes. However, the destruction of cells and the
additional cost of energy was considered a huge problem. We applied
heptane as extraction solvent with minimal repercussions on the cells
and established a seven times per month milking process of extraction
and cultivation.

Practical implementation of the management
system.

Culture Fluid(Resting period, cell concentration:
approx. 1.3g/dm³)

2 time3 time4 time5 timeHeptane Extraction (5min)
Cultivation time [days]

HeptaneWater

Centrifugation

Concentration
adjustment

GC-FID Analysis

Cultivation(b) Culture Fluid Only

Cultivation time [days]

Float chart of the established milking-cultivation experiment.

080

Promotion of the integrated management system◆◆◆
1 timeCell Concentration[g/dm³]Extraction Technology of Algae Oils

We developed an integrative management system combining theinformation of electric vehicles as mobile power units and individualenergy stations and implemented it in public offices of Ishinomaki,
Miyagi. At the annual regional disaster response exercise, the cityof Ishinomaki also
integrated training
sections using this system.
The achievements of ourresearch based on theexperience of the disasterare certainly contributing
to the design of a safe andsecure city.

6 time7 timeOperation Testing of Hybrid Methane
Fermentation System
We developed a hybrid methane fermentation system utilizing thecontents of cattle’s rumen (first chamber of the stomach) offloaded frommeat processing plants. The system achieved a conversion rate of 63%
and an average of 4.5m3 biogas production per 12.4kg COD input perday. We also succeeded to generate electricity with the produced biogas,
powering a small electric car or charging batteries.
Charging a small electric car with produced biogas fuel.

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Project 03

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Project for Environmental Energy

◆◆◆

◆◆◆

◆◆◆

Disaster Resilient City Design via Renewable
Energy Utilization

A Regional Energy Utilization Example“ene café METHANE”

High Efficient Solar Power through the Reutilization of Car Batteries

Due to the blackout and the suspension of energy supply in disaster
stricken areas, the sole dependence on the currently existing energy
grid is seen as a threat, and subsequently the utilization of renewable,
unused energy resources attracted attention as a key feature of the newcity design after the disaster, adopted by many communities in theirreconstruction plans. However, renewable energy has many flaws suchas low efficiency, unstable output, or high introduction costs, andpropagation is going very slowly. Solar of wind power generation cannot
sustain a stable enough power supply for grid-connection, meaning thecontinuous dependence on traditional power generation.
In order to create new options and to realize the utilization ofrenewable energy requested by disaster stricken communities, research tostabilize the currently unstable renewable energy production at low cost
as well as development of a system spending all of the generated power
without returning it to the grid are two main requirements.
Under the motto “Local Production for Local Consumption”,
we established a power supply system utilizing renewable energy
independent from traditional electricity infrastructure and installed it
to public facilities which are going to be evacuation shelters at times ofdisasters. In doing so, we were able to increase the response capabilities
of local communities in case of emergencies and designed an advanced
model promoting the utilization of renewable energy.

In July 2014 the “ene café METHANE” opened in Naruko, Miyagi,
utilizing a small-sized methane fermentation system. The number ofvisitors already exceeded 2400 customers, becoming an attracting site in
Naruko. “ene café METHANE” received the “Special Good Life Award
from the Minister of the Environment” at the Third Good Life Awards
by the Ministry of the Environment.

In August 2018, the joint project with Techno-Labo Co., Ltd. wasselected by NEDO’s “Project for the Development of New Energy
Technology”. We are currently experimenting with new ways to utlize
lossless solar energy at the Eco-laboratory in the Graduate School ofEnvironmental Studies. The project utilizes used car batteries andexisting infrastructure to implement optimal energy conversion and low
costs via minimalistic device structures.

Installation of the new system in public facilities.

U n s tab l e D C
ACBridgeRectifierSignage content in real sites

Gr id
Powe r◆◆◆

AC L oa d
DC Input

Resource Circulation with Participation of
Local Residents
We developed a high efficient methane fermentation system witha conversion rate of 85% which processes 12kg of raw garbage per
day in Naruko, Miyagi. This system utilizes the disposed water fromthe hot springs as heat source and the raw garbage is provided by
local residents. We were able to establish resource circulation withparticipation of community members by supplying collaboratorswith fermentation residue which can be used as liquid fertilizer. The
operation of our system promotes the environmental education in thecommunity as well.

◆◆◆Achieving ZEB 104% at the Eco Laboratory in
the Graduate School of Environmental Studies
The Eco-laboratory of the Graduate School of Environmental
Studies achieved the ZEB 104% (zero-energy building)* in March
2019. The improvements to achieve the ZEB status are part of the“Project for 100% Production of Renewable Energy” in collaboration
with Enagia Inc.

DC1 0 0 V
R e c h ar ge ab le
B atte r ie s

AC E q u ip m e n t“ene café METHANE” in Naruko

Environmental education for elementary school children (at Naruko Hot Springs
in Ohsaki, Miyagi)◆◆◆

Re-utilizing Batteries of Hybrid Cars for
Cheap PCS Alternative
In June 2019, the joint project “R&D for LIB Stabilizer Technology”
with the Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. was selected by the “Project
for the Development of CO2-Efficient Recycle Technology” announced
by the Ministry of the Environment. We aim to re-utilize old lithiumion batteries (LIB) from hybrid cars - that will increase in numbers in
the coming years - to establish stable solar power production. Currently
the new system is tested at the experimental housings of HOKUSHU
Co., Ltd. as alternative power conditioners to improve the quality of thepower delivered to the equipment.

*We acheived the ZEB 104% rating during the BELS evaluation of the
Miyagi Building and Housing Center

082

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Project 04
ICT Reconstruction Project

The Great East Japan Earthquake has highlighted vulnerabilities in
information and communication technology (ICT), such as disruptionof communication lines, inability to collect information, and lack oftransmission information, and we have come to see issues that need tobe resolved immediately. To meet these challenges, Tohoku University
is working to develop and demonstrate disaster-resistant informationand communication infrastructure, build safe and secure informationand communication technology, and prevent urban disasters in theinformation and communication field. We aim to integrate research
institutes and related industries that enhance our capabilities. In thisproject, we have established the Research Organization of Electronic
Communication (ROEC), a cross-university organization centered on
the Research Institute of Electronic Communication (RIEC), and areworking to realize a "disaster-resistant information and communication
network." In addition, we have concluded a comprehensive
collaboration agreement with the National Institute of Information
and Communications Technology (NICT), which is a public research
institution that promotes research and development in the field of
information and communication technology, and is one of the world's
top level in Tohoku University. By establishing research bases andpromoting joint research between industry, academia and government,
we aim to realize disaster-resistant information and communications
and revitalize economic activities in the affected areas.

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Project 04

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

ICT Reconstruction Project

Project Activities

ICT Reconstruction Project

2011

10

Establishment of the Research Organization of Electrical Communication

2012

4

Establishment of the Resilient ICT Research Center in the National Institute of Information

10

Partnership agreement between Tohoku University and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

11

Demonstration of ”R&D on multi-layered disaster information and communication systems

and Communications Technology (NICT)◆◆◆◆

Research and Development Plan
In the first phase (5 years), we will develop activities for disasterresistant ICT research and development based on existing technologies
and social implementation through industry-academia-government
collaboration, and in the second phase (5 years), we will develop cuttingedge resilience ICT. We are aiming to start research and development ofresilience ICT engineering.

integrating various methods of communication and broadcasting” funded by MIC
11Phase 1

Disaster resilient ICT R&D basedon existing technologies

Phase 2

R&D of state-of-the-art resilient
ICT in private public collaboration

Practical Implementationof Research Outcomes

Creating
Resilient
ICT
Engineering

Practical Implementation of
Research Outcomes
Practical Implementation
with Industrygovernment-academia
collaboration

Demonstration of “R&D on fundamental integrated broadcasting and communication technology
for swift communication of disaster information” funded by MIC

2013

1

MoU with France Télécom (now Orange)

2

Success of 2.5km message relays in urban areas with Wi-Fi function of smartphones

3

Development of ad-hoc network technologies via Wi-Fi in cases of communication line failures after disasters

3“Disaster Resilient ICT Research Symposium and Demonstration of Disaster Resistant ICT – Connected & Never die!”3

Symposium on the establishment of the NICT Resilient ICT Research Center4

1st Orange-Tohoku University Workshop on Highly Robust Networks

7

ROEC Symposium “Toward the Regeneration of Tohoku via Disaster Resilient ICT”

7First Issue of ROEC’s “NEWS”

8

Demonstration of communication technology to transmit information from isolated areas inemergency situations (Success of demonstration of connection between with
“Relay-by-Smartphone” and relay systems with unmanned aerial vehicles)

11

Tohoku University Tokyo Forum 2013 on Electronics and Information “From Recovery to

11

MoU with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan◆◆◆◆

Phase 1: Disaster resilient ICT R&D based on
existing technology
As disaster resilient ICT based on existing technologies, we conducted
research and development on the following three topics: “Effective
information acquisition and transmission systems at times of disasters”,“Robust networks with enhanced disaster resistance”, and “Ad-hoc
networks for rapid network recovery”

Regeneration – Future Aspects of Information and Communication Technology”
2014

1

Connection between “Relay-by-Smartphone” and “ICT Car” (development of communication
for the area far from evacuation center at a time of large-scaled disaster)2

Demonstration of disaster resilient ICT R&D Project “ICT car to immediately recovercommunication network after Large-Scaled Disasters” founded by MIC

2015

2016

3

Demonstration of satellite communication networks at a time of disaster in Yamamoto, Miyagi

3

Development of communication system switching easily between mobile and satellite communication lines

4

Demonstration of power supply and efficient operation of network equipment at a time of disaster

3

Demonstration of disaster resilient network technology in Kochi

7

Disaster response exercise with disaster response information system in Kashihara, Nara

10

Demonstration of Tohoku University’s disaster response drill on SIP (disaster prevention & mitigation) Project11

Demonstration in Cebu Island, Philippines on SIP (disaster prevention & mitigation) Project3

NICT Resilient ICT Research Symposium

8

Workshop with participation of the general citizen in San Remigio, Philippines on SIP (disasterprevention & mitigation) Project

11

Workshop with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan

2017

6

Demonstration of “Relay-by-Smartphone” by Sendai Television Inc.

2018

1

Workshop with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan

2019

2020

6

“Guidelines for a Disaster Resilient Information Communication Network” revised (vol.2)

7

Establishment of the innovation consortium for relay communication via smartphones

7

Participation in the Aqua LAN Consortium

10

Establishment of the JSPS R&D Committee “Realizing a Super Smart Society via Fusion of Power and ICT Networks”

1

Workshop with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan

3

Exchange about resilient ICT with the Technical University of Darmstadt

4

Operation of the “Tsunami SOS App” using “Relay-by-Smartphone” in Kochi

12

MoU with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan

6“Guidelines for a Disaster Resilient Information Communication Network” update (vol.2.1)

10First Public JST-OPERA Workshop “Creation of a convergence network technology for electric power and◆◆◆◆

Demonstration of “Relay-by-Smartphone”
We conducted a communication experiment using 27 smartphones
at Tohoku University Aobayama Campus. Using the Wi-Fi featureon his smartphone, the email relay succeeded in sending andreceiving the email without using the carrier's mobile phone line.
As a useful communication tool in a disaster-affected isolated area,

you can freely build a network with just a smartphone. Aiming forsocial implementation of this relay-by-smartphone, a demonstration
experiment was conducted in the center of Sendai City in 2013, anda email relay of about 2.5 km was successful. We held a participatory
workshop for citizens to educate and disseminate to the general publicthat information can be communicated in the event of a disaster using
the smartphone application that we usually use.

Workshop in San Remigio, Philippines.

communication to realize the total optimization of an autonomous distributed cooperative DC microgrid”

086

087

Project 04

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

ICT Reconstruction Project

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

R&D of Portable ICT Units for Multiple
Connections and Emergency Conveyance inDisaster Areas

We conducted research and development on a portable informationand communication infrastructure (ICT unit) that enables theimmediate launch of ICT services in the disaster area. We will improve
mobility and wide area, and provide ICT services that can accommodate
thousands to tens of thousands of users within two days of a disaster.

Objective: Configuration optimization technology to enable flexible expansion of information andcommunication processing functions through multi-connected operations (Fujitsu, NTT)

Communication
Node

Resilience

Scalability

Servers

Flexibility
Storage

Wide areMobility

Satellite Communication Networks at Timesof Disasters

Demonstration of “Relay-by-Smartphone”
by Sendai Television Inc.

We conducted research on technologies such as multi-mode aperture
terminals, low energy mobile aperture terminals, and communication
bandwidth optimization controls to secure satellite channels dependingon the situation in disaster areas. Utilizing these technologies, we cansecure communication lines even if ground networks are unavailable in
the event of a disaster.

In the period from June 12, 2017, to July 31, 2017, we held thedisaster prevention and mitigation mystery event utilizing “AirBaton”,
temporarily implementing “Relay-by-Smartphone” in Sendai TV’snews application in collaboration with Sendai Television Incorporated,
NTT Docomo, and Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc.. We demonstrated
the practical functionality of messaging and services of the ad-hoc
communication technology provided by “Relay-by-Smartphone” in thisevent. By conducting further demonstrations, we aim for practical use of
our technology in the near future.

Objective:
Management Technology
for Mobile ICT Units(NTT, Tohoku University)

Immediacy
Communication
Building/
Operability
Data Center

Radio

Light

Contingency
IU: ICT Unit

◆◆◆◆

Wide
area
Network

Objective: Design and construction technology for mobile ICT units to enable quick
start of operations (NTT, NTT Communications, Fujitsu, Tohoku University)

Excerpt from the “Disaster Resilient ICT Symposium” March 25, 2013.

◆◆◆◆

Developments Toward Practical
Implementations◆◆◆◆

R&D of Shared and Collaboration
Technologies between Radio Relay Systemsof Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Ground
Networks
In order to cover the area affected by the disaster in a wide area andflexibly, we conducted research and development to quickly build
a temporary network that integrates unmanned aerial vehicles andground networks. It is expected to be used in event venues where
communication lines are interrupted in isolated areas during a disasteror where communication is congested.

◆◆◆◆

R&D of Disaster Prevention Information
Database Systems for Disaster Response
SupportTohoku University, Kyoto University Disaster Prevention ResearchInstitute and NTT Research Institute have conducted research anddevelopment of disaster prevention information database (DB) system.
This database system enables disaster prevention personnel to sharedisaster prevention information and manage disaster response operations
based on unified situational awareness, enabling prompt and fair support
to disaster victims.

During thefirst phase, weare conducting
experiments invarious places
for practicalimplementationof R&D outcomesbased on existing
technology.
Excerpt from Sendai Television’s web page.

◆◆◆◆

Demonstration of Disaster Resilient ICT
during Disaster Response Drill of Tohoku
University’s Headquarters
We demonstrated voice communication of smartphone via IP-PBX
for emergency situations, web conferences and online camera monitoring
to secure communication lines between Kawauchi and Katahira Campus
with Portable Radio Communication Systems (FWA) and meshnetworks, and tested communication during the Disaster Response Drillat the Headquarters (October 2015). We also demonstrated the e-mailmessage transmission via “Relay-by-Smartphone”.

088

089

Project 04

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

ICT Reconstruction Project

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

Demonstration of Internet Connection via
Satellite Link in Evacuation Shelters

Demonstration of Power Supply andEfficient Network Equipment Operation in
the Event of Disasters

We demonstrated satellite communication networks during times ofdisasters, at the town office of Yamamoto in Watari, Miyagi, in March
2014, for practical use. We provided insight to this technology andpresented the ease of establishing internet connectivity via smartphones
by simply activating equipment at evacuation shelters as well as
methods to obtain power supply for houses utilizing hybrid cars. Partof the demonstration was also to show that necessary operations can be
performed by disaster victims themselves at evacuation shelters and do
not need specialists on site.

Theoretically estimating the duration of power supply with theelectric storage via renewable energy power generation, we developed
a design method for off-grid life. We verified that we can live off-gridfor more than one year without blackouts by an independent electricalsupply with electric storage and solar power.

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

2nd Phase: R&D of Cutting-Edge Resilient ICT

Demonstration of Disaster Resilient Network
Technology in the City of Kochi

We aim for the realization of ICT networks with drastically improved
resilience in the event of a large-scaled disaster via analyzing various
environmental information, recognizing the state of destruction andoperational statuses of networks, and coordinating various ICT networks
autonomously. We will realize the “BCP Engine” supporting theBusiness Continuity Planning (BCP) of the government, communities,
corporations, and individuals, to drastically improve the resilience ofsocial activities in the event of a mega-disaster via analyzing various
information of the environment.

In cooperation with the prefecture as well as the city of Kochi, we
demonstrated disaster resilient network technology in the city of Kochi
in March 2015. We demonstrated to connect isolated areas which lost
communication methods with areas still having some communication
available via ad-hoc relays, presented the efficiency of broadcast andgroup communications to inform residents and organize emergency
disaster responses, as well as exhibited the utilization of familiar
smartphones as emergency response communication devices, and thus
providing a low cost disaster communication system.
◆◆◆◆

Workshop and On-the-Job training in
Kashihara Utilizing the Disaster Response
Information Systems
For the practical implementation of JST RISTEX’s research results,
we conducted a workshop and on-the-job training for disaster response
in Kashihara, Nara, in July 2015. We presented research results to staffs
of disaster response units and also got feedback for future research aswell as practical implementation.

090“The off-grid power supply experiment by solar power exceeds one year.
Uninterrupted power supply record updated.”

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

Demonstration of Optimization Algorithm
for Network Function in Cebu

R&D of Sound and Radio Wave Sensor
Networks for Early Disaster Detection

We demonstrated interconnected experiments of our “Optimization
Algorithm for Network Functionality” with the disaster resistantradio communication system “Portable ICT Unit” developed by
NTT Network Innovation Laboratories in Cebu Island, Philippines,
in November 2015, and thus verified the feasibility. During theexperiments, we succeeded in acquiring and accumulating important
information regarding the safety of disaster victims outside thecommunication area at the disaster response headquarters.

Crustal deformation and meteorological phenomena leading tohuge natural disasters have the tendency to manifest with atmosphericpressure changes accompanied by ultra-low frequency sound waves,
not noticeable by human senses. Spatially accurate distribution mapsof rainfall are a valuable source of information to predict water andlandslide disasters after locally torrential rain, increasing the recent years.
We conduct research and development to prepare for these disasters andmitigate the damages with the sensor network of sound and radio waves
common in our everyday life to obtain relevant information of signs
related to approaching disasters.

091

Project 04

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

ICT Reconstruction Project◆◆◆◆

R&D of Communication Network Technology
for the Effective Frequency Utilization of
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems
We design and develop resource allocation control algorithms thatenable frequency sharing in multiple unmanned aerial vehicle systems
operating in the same airspace. For efficient resource allocation, weconstruct and design the theory of resource allocation control algorithm
based on position information, priority, resource requirement, etc., andevaluate the performance and resources in consideration of the actual
usage scenario of the unmanned aerial vehicle system and the delay timecaused by the allocation control algorithm. With this development,
it will be possible to transmit the data acquired by unmanned aerial
vehicles to ground control devices in real time, and it is expected thatunmanned aerial vehicles will be used for agriculture, home delivery,
bridge inspection, etc.

◆◆◆◆

Research and Development of 5thGeneration Mobile Communication System
In the 5th generation mobile communication system that enables “highspeed / large capacity”, “ultra-low latency”, and “multiple simultaneousconnections”, we are researching distributed antenna coordinated signaltransmission technology and ultra-wideband mobile fronthaul transmission
technology. Development was carried out in a research commissioned by the
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (FY2014-FY2018), withthe aim of improving system capacity (more than 3 times), reducing RRH
transmission power (more than 3 dB), and highly efficient accommodationof RRH in BBU. Achieves a long extension (loss budget of 20 dB or more).

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

Establishment of a JSPS R&D Committee
Assuming that a resilient social infrastructure that integrates
information and communication networks and electric power willbe the key to the realization of an ultra-smart society, we will pursue
academic omnidirectional research in the integration of electric power andinformation, communication networks, and develop technology throughindustry-academia-government collaboration. For the purpose, on October
1, 2018, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science established the
Research and Development Special Committee for “Ultra-Smart Society
by Convergence of Power and Information and Communication Network
Infrastructure” (October 31, 2018 press release).

Research on Grid Systems with Emergent
Synthesis Function on Recursive Structures◆◆◆◆

Participation in the Aqua LAN Consortium
In an underwater environment where only limited means such as
sound waves can be used, the communication environment is harsher
than on land. In developing disaster resilient ICT technology for LAN,microwave transmission, sensing and power supply, we are able toovercome the “digital divide” still present in many areas. This technology
can also be utilized for seabed exploration during disaster recovery after
tsunamis.

092

On March 11, 2019, we exchanged views on regilience ICT withTechnische Universität Darmstadt.

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

In order to strengthen the resilience of the power grid, we areconducting the following research and development to realize an
autonomous decentralized cooperative power grid that is not theconventional hierarchical / centralized type.
(1) Physical configuration method of the micro grid consisting ofY-shaped power routers and the national grid consisting of microgrids.
(2) Coordinated control method of power distribution.
(3) Cooperation with resilience ICT that transmits the above control
signals.

Exchange with the Technical University ofDarmstadt

Innovative Optical Network Technologies
for New Social Infrastructure◆◆◆◆

JST-Mirai Program
We will promote the research and development of the “event
management and seamless crisis response platform” adopted as the
JST Future Society Creation Project in FY2018, and each organization
responsible for crisis response will be assigned to the system used in daily
work. We are aiming to build an information environment that can be
operated by easily adding functions according to the situation. Specificfunctions as app on KADAN developed by NTT. We will realize acrisis response support system that can be installed.

◆◆◆◆

Guidelines for a Disaster Resilient
Information Communication Network (vol.2)
In June 2014, the Disaster-Resistant ICT Research Council announced
the “Guidelines for Introducing Disaster-Resistant Information andCommunication Networks,” based on the experience of damage andobstacles to information and communication networks caused by
the Great East Japan Earthquake, which hindered local government
operations. However, in consideration of the subsequent technologicaldevelopment, etc., in cooperation with the local government, theguideline was revised from the “local government's
perspective” and the second edition was formulated.
Based on the subsequent development trends of
new services, etc., we reviewed the disaster-resistantinformation and telecommunications network
services described in ANNEX of the guideline andrevised them as version 2.1 in June 2020.

With the spread of IoT and the development of mobile systems
such as 5G, it is expected that communication traffic will continue toincrease in the future, and it is especially urgent to increase the capacityand efficiency of access metro networks applied to mobile fronthaul
and backhaul. We will establish 400 Gbps-class high-speed and highcapacity optical access technology and network monitoring and control
infrastructure technology to increase the capacity and efficiency of accessmetro networks.
Collaboration of Keio University, Oki Electric Industry, Tohoku
University, NEC Corporation, KDDI R&D Laboratories, EpiPhotonics
Corp.

Contents of the Guidelines (Vol.2)
1. Objective & Purpose of Guidelines
2. Importance of Risk Management
3. Risk of Disaster & Communication Disruption
4. Measures for Future Disasters
5. Image of Information Communication Network in Communities
6. Duties in Communities at Times of Disasters
7. Government Support to Maintain Communication at Times of Disasters
8. Communication Maintenance during Disruption (Examples)
9. Issues and Solutions for Communication Maintenance(Presentation of Practical Information Comm. Networks & Services)

The digital file is available at the following URL
https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_seisaku/ictseisaku/ictR-D/
saigai/02tsushin03_04000414.html

093

Project 04

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

ICT Reconstruction Project◆◆◆◆

R&D of IoT Wireless High-Efficiency WideArea Networks Scanning Technology
In order to scan the network over a wide area with high efficiency
for the global IP address assigned to IoT devices all over Japan, thegoal is to significantly reduce the amount of communication related to
network scanning compared to existing technology. We are engaged inresearch and development of wide area network scan technology that
automatically estimates usage status and wireless communication volume
reduction technology for wide area network scan. communication
volume reduction technology for wide area network scan.

◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆

MoU extension and workshop held with
Industrial Technology Research Institute(ITRI) in Taiwan
In November 2013, we established an MoU with the Industrial
Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan. We are promoting
disaster resilient ICT research in collaboration with the Information andCommunication Research Labs (ICL). The MoU was updated in 2016,
strengthening our partnership.
On December 17, 2019, the MoU was updated again, and workshop
was held to present and discuss the results of research projects in thefield of resilient wireless networks for the era beyond 5G. We willcontinue our joint efforts and exchange ideas at regular workshops in the
future.

Signing the updated MoU (December 17, 2019)

Research and Development of Advanced 5thGeneration Mobile Communication System
While the introduction of 5G (5th generation mobile communication
system) is progressing, mobile communication traffic is steadily
increasing. In addition, after 2025, when 5G will permeate society,more diverse communication services will be deployed than ever before.
In order to support such large-capacity and diverse communication
services, further sophistication of 5G is required. In this research, we
are working on research and development of wireless integrated control
technology that realizes adaptive RAN (Radio Access Network) in orderto provide highly reliable and diverse services that can respond to normal
times, disasters, and emergencies.

ITRI - Tohoku University - YRP Workshop (December 17-18, 2019)◆◆◆◆

Adopted as JST-OPERA co-creation
platform development type“Creation of Power / Communication Integrated Network
Platform Technology to Realize Overall Optimization of Autonomous
Decentralized Cooperative DC Microgrid” was adopted for 2019 JST
Industry-Academia Co-creation Platform Joint Research Promotion
Program (OPERA). With the aim of creating a sustainable andresilient new-generation social infrastructure, that is essential forthe ultra-smart society of Society5.0, we will build a new smart city
/ compact city network infrastructure that links information andcommunication networks and electric power networks, autonomous
decentralized coordinated control of data traffic and power supply
and demand between grids. We are working on the development oftechnology for overall optimization of power interchange through Big
Data & AI through industry-academia collaboration.

◆◆◆◆

R&D of radar technology for advanced
recognition of moving objects to enhance
security
Various types to ensure a sufficient security level without stopping
the flow of people in subways, airport lobbies, large-scale customer
attraction facilities (shopping malls, concert halls), etc. where an
unspecified number of people gather and security is relatively loose.
We are engaged in research and development of advanced recognition
radar technology for moving objects to recognize suspicious persons andensure security by processing data from sensors.

094

095

Project 05
Tohoku Marine Science ProjectDue to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami,
the coastal area of Tohoku and its wealth of bio-resources and services
were tremendously damaged. In order to recover coastal communities,
the restoration of the marine environment was essential. However,unlike the situation in land, the ocean cannot be observed directly. It
was therefore crucial to obtain a detailed understanding of the marine
environments as well as the changes to the ecosystems.
To regain the rich seas by the power of robust science, Tohoku
University (lead institution), Atmosphere and Ocean Research Instituteat the University of Tokyo (deputy lead) and the Japan Agency for
Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) (deputy lead)initiated a decade-long project called “Tohoku Ecosystem-AssociatedMarine Sciences” (TEAMS). Tohoku University engaged in the “Analysisof the Change Process of Fishing Grounds” and we were able to not
only explore the marine environments as well as the ecosystems,
but also establish means to restore the population of sea urchins in
Sizugawa Bay, develop methods for aquaculture management of oysters,
provide efficient means to cultivate scallops in Ogatsu Bay, support
the cultivation of a prosperous marine environment and sea cucumber
cultivation in Onagawa Bay, and help to restore fishery in the areas ofNatori and Yamamoto. This year was the final year of the project, andas a result, we printed and bound a report summarizing the TEAMS
activities and distributed it throughout Japan, presented the activities ata public symposium hosted by the Science Council of Japan, and helda report meeting in the disaster stricken town of Onagawa. We also
engaged and collaborated with the community in public relations.

096

Project Leader
Graduate School of Agricultural
Science

Professor Akihiro Kijima

It has been almost 10 years since the devastating
earthquake and tsunami that struck the region on March
11, 2011. Since then, all of us who have participatedin this project have always thought about supporting
the recovery of the fishing industry, which is the key
industry in the disaster stricken areas. The question is
how to clarify the changes in the marine environments
and marine ecosystems, which are the most fundamental
elements, and how to utilize them for reconstruction.
All of the participants made use of their respective
specialties in their actions. I felt that each sentence inthe report compiled this year was engraved with theirthoughts. We have been able to continue this project forthe past 10 years because of all the people who haveworked with us on the research. I would like to express
my sincere gratitude to everyone who has worked with uson this project over the past 10 years. Although we have
not yet reached the point of complete reconstruction, I
hope that we will continue to develop to a new stage,valuing "collaboration," "bonds," and "unity" that we havelearned from the disaster. Thank you very much.

097

Project 05

Tohoku Marine Science Project

Project Activities

2012

1
2

		
4
		
2013

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Tohoku Marine Science Project

Establishment of the TEAMS Project (Research of Marine Ecosystems)
TEAMS mini-symposium “Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on the Marine Ecosystems
and Efforts for Reconstruction”
Tohoku University - JAMSTEC joint symposium “One Year after the Great East Japan Earthquake– Lessons Learned and Best Practices”

6
11

Conference of the TEAMS Project at the Multi-media Building in Kawauchi
TEAMS public symposium on Investigation of the Marine Ecosystems “What Happened to the Sea along Tohoku?”

2014
3
		
		
10

The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science Symposium “Current State of Coastal Regions in Tohoku
after Three Years of the Earthquake and Tsunami – Natural Disturbances by the Disaster andAnthropogenic Disturbances by Reconstruction”
TEAMS public symposium on Investigation of the Marine Ecosystems “Toward Reconstruction - The Sea in Tohoku”

2015
3
TEAMS symposium “How Did the Great East Japan Earthquake Affect Marine Ecosystem?” in		the public forum, the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
Co-hosting the 2015 Special Symposium of the Board of Directors of the Japanese Society of Fisheries
9		Science, “The Sea of Tohoku: Research Results and Fishery Recovery Four Years after the Earthquake”
2016
3
		
6
		
9
10

International TEAMS Symposium on Restoration after Great East Japan Earthquake-Our 		Knowledge on the Ecosystem and Fisheries
23th Pacific Science Congress (PSC) Session “Science for a huge Disaster-Lesson from Great East
Japan Earthquake and others in Asian countries”
MEXT Tohoku Marine Science Committee meeting to explain the progress of TEAMS activities
Public TEAMS Symposium “The Future of Marine Science in Tohoku”

2017
3
		
6
		
6
11

The Miyagi Fishery Recovery Cooperation Council public symposium “Disasters and Oceans –Future Fishery and Aquaculture”
Report on TEAMS activities at the preliminary field survey for the administrative review by the
Reconstruction Agency
Introduction of the TEAMS project at the APEC Economy Project Meeting
World Bosai Forum session “Marine Ecosystem Disturbances by Earthquakes and Tsunamis”

2018

		
10
		
11

MEXT Tohoku Marine Science Committee meeting to explain the progress of TEAMS activities
The Miyagi Fishery Recovery Cooperation Council public symposium “Disasters and Oceans –Changing the Oceanic Environment and Aquaculture”
Public briefing of TEAMS’s activities at the signing ceremony for the collaboration of the Graduate
School of Agricultural Science with the town of Onagawa“Restore the Tohoku Sea! A Day with 'Marine scientists'“ at Miraikan

2019
3
		
6
12
		
		

The Miyagi Fishery Recovery Cooperation Council public symposium “Disasters and Oceans –Changing Fishery toward the Future”
Conference of the entire TEAMS Project
Exhibition of TEAMS panels with the cooperation of the Japan Science Museum Association(explanations were given at the Mie Prefectural Museum and the Kuji Underground Aquarium in
Iwate Prefecture).

2020 1 - 3
		
		
9
		
11
		
11
		
11
11
		
11
		

Exhibition of TEAMS panels with the cooperation of the Japan Science Museum Association(Explanations at Tokai University Marine Science Museum in Shizuoka Prefecture andKochi Mirai Science Center in Kochi Prefecture).
Exhibition of TEAMS panels with the cooperation of the Japan Science Museum Association(Explanation at Aquamarine Fukushima).
Publication of the full report on the results of the TEAMS Project (research on marine ecosystems)
and nationwide distribution
Co-hosted the public symposium organized by Science Council of Japan ”TEAMS Project and the Futureof Fisheries Research: Toward a Prosperous Ocean with the Power of Science”
Public TEAMS Symposium “The Future of Fishery”
Publication of the summary version of the TEAMS report on the activities of the research groupand distribution in disaster stricken areas
Publication of the ”Onagawa Bay Habitat Mapping” and wide distribution to fishermen, fishery-related
people, local governments, elementary and junior high school students, and the general public.

098

2
3

◆◆◆◆◆

Seaweed Beds in Shizugawa Bay
Seaweed beds comprising mainly Arame (Eisenia bicyclis, a sea oak
species) were a common feature in the coastal rocky reefs of Shizugawa
Bay. Kitamurasaki sea urchins are known to feed on Arame and theharvest of the urchins is commercially important here. Although theGreat East Japan Earthquake destroyed ca. 75% of the Arame beds, theaffected areas almost fully recovered in the following year. However,
due to dramatic increase in the urchin populations, it was revealed thatabout half of the seaweed beds were lost by 2015.

Invasion of Kitamurasaki urchins in seaweed beds (schematicpresentation)◆◆◆◆◆

Kitamurasaki Sea Urchins in Shizugawa Bay
Due to the outbreak of Kitamurasaki sea urchins, it is a major concern

アラメ藻体を直接摂食するキタムラサキウニ
of local communities that the reefs might be denuded and the quality of（2014 年 2 月 27 日，志津川湾）
the urchin harvest deteriorates. We therefore collected the urchins with

Kitamurasaki Urchins feeding directly on Arame (Shizugawa
Bay, Feb. 27, 2014)

local fishermen and cultivated them in baskets for several months to
examine the quality of the urchin roe (gonads). We found that additionof kelp in the feeds increased the quality of the urchins both in taste andcolor. We now consider ways forward to apply these results for fisheryoperations in collaboration with local fishing communities.

Efficient utilization of the urchin outbreak for cultivation (prevention of reef denudation)

099

Project 05

Tohoku Marine Science Project◆◆◆◆◆

Towards restoration of the Ascidian
Cultivation in Samenoura Bay
Before the earthquake, about a third of Japan’s edible ascidians were
produced in Samenoura Bay, placing it in the first rank as well as being
most important for the provision of ascidian seeds in Japan. However,all cultivated ascidians were destroyed by the tsunami, and almost no
cultivation or production was made in Miyagi for three years after theearthquake. We aimed for the early recovery of ascidian cultivation andinvestigated post-tsunami spawning and larval distribution to estimate
new locations of larval settlement using numerical simulations of particle
transport and diffusion. We thus established efficient methods to extract
seeding from surviving ascidians in collaboration with local fishermen.

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021◆◆◆◆◆

Environmental monitoring of Nagatsuraura
Environmental hypoxia was a common phenomenon in Nagatsuraura,
often resulting in massive fatalities among cultivated oysters that areimportant to the local industry. Although the waterways expanded after
the earthquake and tsunami, hypoxia still remains occurring during
summer in deeper layers of the water. In order to establish a stable andsustainable oyster cultivation in Nagatsuraura, we conduct real timeobservations and routine environmental surveys by ship so that we candevelop new farming methods in collaboration with local fishermen andthereby increase the production of the oysters.

◆◆◆◆◆

Nutrients, Phytoplankton, and Zooplankton
in Onagawa Bay
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we started monitoringchanges in nutrient loads and the abundances of both phytoplankton
and zooplankton in Onagawa Bay because these interactions provide
a basis for marine productivity. We found that the concentrations of
nutrients sharply decreased immediately after the earthquake, yet thelevels have been being gradually recovered to date. The abundance ofphytoplankton has increased accordingly, and a similar increasing trend

環境観測装置と船舶による環境調査

has also been observed for zooplankton. We will continue to monitor
how the nutrient-plankton interaction changes over time in responseto the recovery
and expansion of
the aquaculture
operations in
Onagawa Bay.

Marine food chain

境観測装置と船舶による環境調査
Equipment for environmental observations◆◆◆◆◆

環境観測装置と船舶による環境調査

Sampling stations for the routine survey

Hypoxia layer in lower depths of Nagatsuraura

100

Alteration of the Seafloor
Environment due to the
Tsunami in Onagawa Bay
In Onagawa Bay, a significant amount of
mud was accumulated on the seafloor after
the 2011 tsunami, indicating an increased
amount of organic and sulfide substances anda deterioration of the seafloor environment.
Although the proportion of mud still remains
high, the amount of mud has been gradually
reduced in some places, and benthic organisms
which drastically declined in numbers after thetsunami, have also been recovered accordingly.
The diversity and abundances of benthos
observed offshore did not, however, show asmuch pronounced change as those observed
inshore seafloor environment, indicating thatthe impact of the tsunami on the benthic
communities was most significant around theinshore harbor area.

Changes in mud proportions in
Onagawa Bay

Changes in abundance of benthic organisms inshore andoffshore Onagawa Bay

101

Project 05

Tohoku Marine Science Project◆◆◆◆◆

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

◆◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆◆

Scallop Farming in Ogatsu Bay

Yamato Clams of the Natori River

Manila Clams of the Natori RiverTo assess the environmental conditions and carrying capacity of thefishery grounds after the 2011 earthquake in Ogatsu Bay, we investigatechanges in production and growth conditions of cultured scallops. We
also examine environmental data taken directly from the cultivation sites
and analyze factors that affect the production and growth of the cultured
scallops. Based on these results, we attempt to help restore the tsunamiaffected fishery grounds and thereby contribute to implementing
new and effective management of marine resources for the fishingcommunities.

Yamato clams (Corbicula japonica) are an important marine resource
harvested along the brackish water of the Natori River. The clam
population decreased to a tenth after the 2011 tsunami, and further
environmental surveys along the estuary revealed that their distribution
also shifted ca. 1 km upstream. This was due to the subsidence after theearthquake, resulting in saltwater intruding further upstream. We shared
the information with local fishermen and the clam population has
recovered to higher levels than before the earthquake.

The abundance of Manila clams along the Natori River estuary wasrecovered temporarily after the earthquake. However, the occurrenceof prolonged low salinity conditions causes depletion of the clam
population, which hampers restoration of fishery operations. Thiswas caused by the subsidence and alteration of the beach morphology(sandspit), leading to retaining larger amounts of fresh water after any
significant precipitation events. Our findings were reported to Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and we work
together to remove the sandspit and restore the clam resources.

Map showing the distribution of Yamato and Manila clams in the Natori River(before the earthquake)◆◆◆◆◆

噴流式貝桁網Development of new Hokkigai Clam Fishing Nets &Methods Adapting to the Tsunami Debris
Across the Hokkigai clam (Spinsula sachalinensis) fishing grounds off Yamamoto, Miyagi,
a lot of rubble and debris was washed in, which made it difficult to operate fishing activities.
We therefore constructed a detailed debris distribution map to assist where to operate using
GPS and developed an adaptive fishing method using new clam fishing nets combined with awater jet system. Effectiveness of the method has been tested in collaboration with fishermen
and the Hokkigai fishery is almost ready to resume operations.
New clam fishing nets.

102

103

Project 05

Tohoku Marine Science Project

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

◆◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆◆

Creating a Habitat Map ofOnagawa Bay

Developing an Aquaculture System for the
Cultivation of Sea Cucumbers

Publication of Tohoku Marine Science Center
Project Reports

We collect significant amounts ofenvironmental data through routine
surveys by ship and real-time observationsin Onagawa Bay since March 2012 andutilized the data for various research
activities. Based on our findings, we wereable to construct a multi-layered habitat
map, beneficial not only for researchers but
also for the general public.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for the
production of sea cucumbers. However, to properly manage theresources and avoid overfarming, the placement of seedlings has
become essential to protect the environment. One important issueof the seedling production is the extermination of vermin such as
copepods. For the extermination, we designed ballast water processing
technology. Currently, we are proceeding further development andcommercialization together with the town of Onagawa.

We published reports summarizing the activities of the TEAMS
Project (research and study of marine ecosystems), which has been
conducted from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2020. A summary of the results
has been printed and bound, and specific research details have beenrecorded on a DVD and appended. Furthermore, specific activities of the
Tohoku University group included in the DVD were printed, bound,and distributed based on the requests of people involved in the fishingindustry. We also published and distributed the “Onagawa Bay Habitat
Mapping”, an easy-to-understand book with illustrations and photos forelementary and junior high school students.

Change of the seabed habitation after the disaster in 2011.

◆◆◆◆◆

◆◆◆◆◆

Establishing Advanced Seaweed
Aquaculture Technology
To prevent decoloration and accelerate growth of cultured seaweed,
we are conducting blue LED exposure experiments by night in shizugawa
Bay of Minamisanriku. Furthermore, it is suggested that the blue LED
light has the benefits to protect the seaweed from marine vermin such asshellfish. Details are currently subject of additional investigation. For the
future we are planning to establish and commercialize advanced seaweed
aquaculture technology utilizing the blue light exposure.

Efficient Droop Aquaculture at Onagawa Bay
We are investigating the transformation of the aquaculture
environment regarding plankton as food for scallops, oysters andascidians in Onagawa Bay after the recovery from the damages of thetsunami. In particular, we utilize various methods i.e. DNA analyses todetermine the origin of the cultivated species and advice efficient policies
and strategies for sustainable and efficient aquaculture.

Breeding young sea cucumbers

Cultivation of food (diatoms) for
young sea cucumbers

Tohoku Marine Science
Center Project Report

Summary of
Research Activities

Onagawa Bay Habitat
Mapping◆◆◆◆◆

TEAMS Activity Results Report Meeting and
Symposium
Collecting young sea cucumbers

Area of seaweed farming

Installed blue LED lights

Onagawa Field Center Breeding
Facilities

Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in three species of aquaculture
products

Cultivation facility for seedlings ofsea cucumbers

In order to widely communicate the results of the TEAMS Project,
MEXT and TEAMS co-hosted an online public symposium sponsoredby the Science Council of Japan titled “TEAMS Project and the Futureof Fisheries Science Research: Toward a Prosperous Ocean with thePower of Science.” We also co-hosted the “Tohoku Marine Science
Base Formation Project (Researchand Study on Marine Ecosystems)
Outcome Report Meeting: Thinking
about the Future of Fisheries” at the
Onagawa Lifelong Learning Center,and distributed it online.

◆◆◆◆◆

Nationwide TEAMS Panels Exhibition
Recording seaweed growth

Installed blue LED lights
Droop aquaculture (Scallops)

Light of the blue LEDs

104

Aquaculture at Onagawa Bay

Droop aquaculture (Mallard)With the cooperation of the Japan Science Museum Association, amobile panel exhibition was held at science museums and various public
facilities throughout Japan to introduce the activities and research resultsof TEAMS. The mobile exhibition began in December 2019 and washeld not only in the disaster area, but also in the Tokai region and otherareas at risk of being hit by a major earthquake in the future. During theexhibition period, TEAMS researchers held explanatory sessions and talkshows at the Mie Prefectural Museum, Kuji Underground Aquarium
Mogurampia, Tokai University Marine Museum, Kochi Mirai Science
Museum, Aquamarine Fukushima, and other locations.

TEAMS mobile panel exhibition

105

Project 06
Nuclear Decommissioning
and Environmental Restoration ProjectCenter for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we committed to become acentral hub for research regarding nuclear decommissioning not only for
Tohoku but also on a global scale. We initiated projects for fundamental
research on nuclear decommissioning and human resource development.
In order to realize safe and steady progress for the decommissioning ofFukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, it is important to consolidatea wide range of academic knowledge, expertise in engineering, andproficiency in technology as well as fostering the next generationof researchers and engineers who will continue the process in the
future. Since this is an essential objective for the sustainability of ourcommunities, we established the Center for Fundamental Research on
Nuclear Decommissioning (CFReND) in December 2016 as a crossdepartmental organization within Tohoku University. The main objectiveof our center is basic and fundamental research and technology
development for ensuring safety in the decommissioning of accidentdamaged nuclear power plants. In order to cover important research fields
from this perspective, we started with two divisions, the “Division of Risk
Management Studies for Nuclear Decommissioning” and the “Division ofRadioactive Waste Management Studies for Nuclear Decommissioning”.
In April 2020, we expanded our activities by establishing a joint researchdivision with TEPCO (Cooperative Research Division on Innovative
Technologies for 1F Decommissioning). The results of this researchalso have the potential to be applied to the decommissioning of normal
nuclear power plants in the future. Furthermore, we are also committed
to the education of young engineers and researchers who will lead future
projects regarding nuclear decommissioning.

106

Project Leader
Center for Fundamental Researchon Nuclear Decommissioning

Director Yutaka Watanabe

It has been more than ten years since the Great
East Japan Earthquake and the unprecedented nuclear
accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plants. The tense situation immediately after theaccident has been overcome, and decommissioning
and environmental restoration have made gradualprogress. The decommissioning of the nuclear power
plants will now finally begin to take on an even moredifficult process. Research and development will play
an increasingly important role in developing newtechnologies and responding to unexpected situations.
It is also necessary to pass knowledge we haveobtained and will obtain during this long and difficult
project to the next generation of researchers andleaders. As a comprehensive university in the region
where the nuclear accident occurred, we will continue
to contribute to the safe and steady decommissioningof the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants throughboth basic and fundamental research and humanresource development. We sincerely ask for yourcontinued support in the future as we have in the past.

107

Project 06

Project Activities

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration ProjectCenter for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning

2012

8

Visit to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

2014

8

Started the Project “Fundamental Research and Human Resource Development for

		
2016

Nuclear Decommissioning” selected by MEXT.
3		

Visit to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the Nuclear Science 		
Research Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)

3
		

Held the 1st Conference for R&D Initiative on Nuclear Decommissioning Technology
by the Next Generation

10
		

Visit to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and JAEA Naraha Center for
Remote Control Technology Development

12

Established the “Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning(called ‘CFReND’)”, Tohoku University

2017

2

Installed the Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Monitoring System developed by CFReND to
Monitor Corrosion of the Piping at Fukushima Daiichi’s Nuclear Power Plant

10		

Visit to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the JAEA Naraha Center for
Remote Control Technology Development

11		

Held the Fukushima Research Conference on “Corrosion Prediction and Mitigation for
Key Components of Fukushima Daiichi NPS”

11		Started the PYRAMID project, a French-Japanese Joint Research, selected by MEXT to
Piping system, Risk management based on wall thinning monitoring and prediction

12

Held the1st memorial symposium of the Center for Fundamental Research on		Nuclear Decommissioning “Challenging the Frontier of Basic Research for		

Nuclear Decommissioning”

2018

2

		

Presented an Overview of the Project “Fundamental Research and Human Resource
Development for Nuclear Decommissioning” selected by MEXT at Tohoku University		Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Symposium5		Co-hosted the Seminar on Human Resource Development for Nuclear Decommissioning
in the Next Generation

11

Co-hosted the 4th International Conference on Maintenance Science and Technology

12

Visit to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the TEPCO Nuclear 		

		
2019

Decommissioning Archive Center
2

		
12
		
2020

Reported the Final Results of the Project “Fundamental Research and Human Resource
Development for Nuclear Decommissioning” selected by MEXT at the Final Report Meeting.

3Completed the above Project.
Held the 2nd Fukushima Research Conference on “Corrosion Prediction and Mitigation
for Key Components of Fukushima Daiichi NPS” (FRC-Corrosion 2019)2

		

Received an ”S” (Excellent) Rating for the Project “Fundamental Research andHuman Resources Development Program for Nuclear Decommissioning” selected by		

MEXT in the Ex-post Evaluation.
3

		Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning]◆◆◆◆◆◆

Fukushima Research Conference
At the Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear
Decommissioning we gather necessary knowledge from around theworld for the safe shut down of reactors after the power plant accident.
We have proposed to establish the Fukushima Research Conference
for related research activities as well as to educate leading humanresources and cooperate with Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced
Decommissioning Science (CLADS), Japan Atomic Energy Agency(JAEA). In November 2017 we have cooperated with CLADS/JAEA
to organize the “FRC on Corrosion” in Tomioka, Fukushima. The
main focus was “corrosion”, being a major factor during the longlasting decommission processof the damaged nuclear
reactor. We had intensive
discussions with leading
researchers from over theworld about mechanisms andcountermeasures regarding
corrosion and members of
our center presented researchoutcomes as well as futureplans and aspects of relevant
research based on the newest
findings.

		

1st Conference for R&D Initiative on
Nuclear Decommissioning Technology by
the Next Generation
As one of seven institutes part of MEXT’s “Project for Fundamental
Research and HR Development Toward Nuclear Decommission”
we organized the “1st Conference on Next-Generation Initiatives
for Decommission Technology” at our Aobayama Campus to foster
HR education of students. Nationwide Graduate and undergraduate
students as well as students from technical colleges interested in researchof decommission technology participated in the conference, listening topresentations of research outcomes regarding e.g. facility maintenanceduring decommission (inspection, corrosion evaluation, repairs, etc),
remote control technology, as well as nuclear debris assessment andproper disposal of nuclear waste. There were also numerous participantsfrom the industry, displaying the high interest and needs for nuclear
decommission research in the future.

Presentation of research outcomesat the conference.

◆◆◆◆◆◆One Year Anniversary Symposium of
the Center for Fundamental Research on
Nuclear Decommissioning
In December 2017 we held the One Year Anniversary Symposium“Challenges toward the Frontier of the Fundamental Research on
Nuclear Decommissioning”.
We presented our mission, goals, and role as well as current principles
of our activities and showcased detailed action reports to concerned
parties. Afterwards we exchanged thoughts and ideas for collaborations
and cooperative actions for fundamental research on nuclear
decommissioning. A large group of guests from affiliated ministries,
universities, research institutes, and industries, as well as foreign experts
and specialists participated in the dialogue.

Signed a Cooperation Agreement between Tohoku University Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research and TEPCO

4◆◆◆◆◆◆

Opening remarks by President Satomi.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Permanent Education Course “Program for
Nuclear Decommissioning Engineering”
In order to nurture core human resources who will lead the longlasting process of nuclear decommissioning, we established the“Program for Nuclear Decommission Engineering” in 2015, aimed at
graduate students of the School of Engineering and Graduate School ofInformation Sciences. To prepare the students for the varying situations
during the decommission process, this program provides 1) problem
solving skills going back to basics and applying principles, 2) the
knowledge and capability to recognize the essence of problems, and thus
the ability to provide fundamental solutions, and 3) communication andcollaboration skills to develop resolutions in cooperation with specialists
from other fields. Graduates of the program (so far 5 Ph.D. and 57
M.Sc.) are conferred a certificate, many of which find employment inassociated institutions organizing the nuclear decommission.

Established the Joint Research Division “Innovative Technologies for
1F Decommissioning” with TEPCO (until March 2025)

6
		
10

Published a textbook “Chemistry of Uranium (I) -Basics and Applications-” 		
(Tohoku University Press)
Stated the project “Development of wide-area corrosion prevention in containment		system under alpha, beta and gamma radiolysis: Development of new corrosion 				

Decommissioning Research Promotion ”Problem Solving Decommissioning Research		Program (General Research)”

prevention technology using nanobubbles” selected by JAEA’s Subsidy for

Presentation by Executive Vice President Hara

108

Lectures at the decommissioning
seminar

Program graduates (March 2017)109

Project 06

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning]◆◆◆◆◆◆

Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Monitoring System
for Corrosion of Piping at Fukushima Daiichi’s
Nuclear Power Plant
During the nuclear decommission process at Fukushima Daiichi’s
Nuclear Power Station, the maintenance of the cooled standstill stateof the reactor is of utmost importance to prevent another meltdown
until the nuclear fuel and waste is removed. However, the piping of
the cooling system is vulnerable to corrosion and its corruption would
mean a loss of cooling capabilities, possibly leading to an emission ofradioactive material to the environment. On the other hand, inspections
under high radiation within the power plant’s facilities present
severe risks to operators. Currently we are employing well known
electromagnetic ultra-sonic resonance methods for maintenance tomeasure the thickness of the pipes for the storage pool of spent nuclear
fuel in the fourth reactor building of the nuclear power plant. Thissystem allows the remote and automated continuous observation fromthe maintenance building with low levels of radiation. By monitoring
the thickness of the pipes for a long term, we can observe the corrosion
process and introduce necessary countermeasures, resulting in an
improvement of the piping and its reliability, and preventing the risk ofradioactive materials entering the atmosphere.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Meeting with Experts from Various TechnicalFieldsIn order to communicate with academics from different fields andvarious specialists from JAEA, the Nuclear Damage Compensation
and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation (NDC), TEPCO,
nuclear power plant providers and other institutions affiliated with thedecommission process, we established the “Specialists Conference”.
Outcomes and achievements from the exchange will be utilized topromote and accelerate decommission research. Furthermore, theconference serves as training place for students and young researchers
to communicate with experts from different fields and specialists fromthe industry, providing valuable opportunities to reinforce personal
networks and obtain career advice from others experiences.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Promoting Fundamental Research andHuman Development Using Competitive
Research Funding
We promote the Project for Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology
and Human Resource Development, which brings together knowledge of
MEXT (responsibilities have been shifted to JAEA/CLADS from FY 2018).
The “Program for Basic Research and Core Human Resource Development
on Reliability Maintenance of Containment Vessel and Building and Waste
Treatment and Disposal for Decommissioning” was selected to strengthen
decommissioning research and human resource development, and was given
the highest S score (excellent results worthy of special mention) in the post
evaluation in 2019. Currently, we are working on “Piping system, Risk
management based on wall thinning monitoring and prediction” as part of
the “Japan-France Joint Research Program
for Nuclear Decommissioning”, andon “Realization of wide-area corrosion
protection in containment systems
under the influence of α/β/γ radiation
radiolysis: Development of new corrosion
protection technology using nanobubbles”
as part of the “Problem Solving
Decommissioning Research Program”.

Program for Basic Research and Core Human Resource Development on
Reliability Maintenance of Containment Vessel and Building and Waste
Treatment and Disposal for Decommissioning

Realization of wide-area corrosion protection in containment systems under the influence of α / β / γ radiation
radiolysis: Development of new corrosion protection technology using nanobubbles◆◆◆◆◆◆
Expert Conferences◆◆◆◆◆◆
Monitoring system for pipe thickness observation◆◆◆◆◆◆

Awards at NDEC-3 and NDEC-4
In oder to provide a platform
for young researchers to
exchange thoughts and ideas on
nuclear decommissioning, theConference for R&D Initiativeon Nuclear Decommissioning
Technology by the Next
Generation (NDEC) is organizedannually since March 2016. In
March 2018, 4 Master students
and 1 Bachelor student recieved
conference awards at NDEC3. In March 2019, 3 Masterstudents recieved conference
awards at NDEC-4.

Co-hosting the International Conference ICMSTFrom October 23 to 25, 2018, the Center for Fundamental Researchon Nuclear Decommissioning co-organized the joint international
conference ICMST-Tohoku 2018 with a totalof 240 participants (47 participants from 9
overseas countries). The conference focusedon assessing and evaluating the safety of asystem and discussed new methods for the safe
decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant.

Presenting Results of the Program for
Nuclear Decommissioning Research andHuman Resources Development
On February 25th 2019, we organized a presentation event of theProgram for Nuclear Decommissioning Research and Human Resources
Development. More than 70 people
including MEXT representatives andexperts from the industry participatedto listen to the presentations given by
university members. There was a lively
Q&A session as well as a poster session
for students with very active discussions.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Cooperative Research Division on Innovative
Technologies for 1F Decommissioning
In April 2020, we established the joint research division “Cooperative
Research Division on Innovative Technologies for 1F Decommissioning”
in collaboration with TEPCO. Through direct collaboration between
TEPCO and Tohoku University, we aim to effectively contributeto the development of new technologies required for the safe andsteady decommissioning of Fukushima Daiichi NPS, and to develop
human resources in this field. Based on close communication between
TEPCO's engineers and our university's experts, this initiative aims
to extract needs from decommissioning sites, break them down into
research issues, and develop technologies to solve them. The aim of thisproject is to utilize the university's research potential in a wide range offields to solve problems at decommissioning sites and to develop humanresources through student participation in research.

Division for Supporting Fundamental Research for the Nuclear Decommissioningof the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

110

111

Project 06
Nuclear Decommissioning
and Environmental Restoration ProjectTechnology for Decontaminating the Environment

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant,
radioactive materials were released into the environment, contaminating
living environments at homes, fields, forests, or schools. In addition
to concerns regarding the health of local residents, the radioactive
contamination greatly impacts agriculture, forestry, and fishery products,
and thus the lives of producers and consumers.
We established the Center for Remediation Engineering for Living
Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes and aspire to develop
technology for the restoration of living environments contaminatedwith radioactive materials, e.g. decontamination technology for soil,
technology effectively utilizing collected radioactive materials, methods
for the cultivation of non-radioactive crops, or non-destructive (whole)monitoring technology for gamma radiation. These outcomes will
be systematized and classified as Nuclear Disaster Remediation
Engineering.
As of 2016, we modified the project from “Development of Technology
for the Restoration of Living Environments Contaminated by Radioactive
Material” to the current name and are continuing the research at the
Research Center for Remediation Engineering of Living Environment
Contaminated with Radioisotopes.

112

Decontamination and volume reduction ofcontaminated soil

Decontamination of schoolyards of elementary schools and kindergartens in Marumori,
Miyagi113

Project 06

Project Activities

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration ProjectTechnology for Decontaminating the Environment

2012
5
		
7
8
12
		

Initiation of the Project “Development of Technology for the Restoration of Living Environments 		
Contaminated by Radioactive Materials”
Radiation monitoring at Kanayama elementary school in Marumori, Miyagi, and Matsukawa, Fukushima.
Radiation monitoring at multiple points in Fukushima and Miyagi
Establishment of the Center for Remediation Engineering for Living Environments Contaminated with 		Radioisotopes, decontamination experiment at local homes in Iitate, Fukushima

2013

Presentation at the “13th International Conference on Particle Induced X-ray Emission” (PIXIE2013) in Gramado, Brazil
Presentation at the “21st International Conference on Ion Beam Analysis” (IBA2013)
Joint announcement of the continuous non-destructive contamination monitoring system for food with
the Ishinomaki Harbor, Miyagi
Completion of the common design for the non-destructive contamination monitoring device, initiationof regular inspections in more than 20 places in Fukushima, contributing to the safety and relief ofFukushima’s communities regarding foodInvited lectures at Academia Sinica, Taiwan, regarding the current state at Fukushima and projects of the center

3
6
8

		
9
		
10
2014

4
5
6
7

9
9
12
		
		

Contamination monitoring of bamboo shoots in Marumori, Miyagi
Presentation at the “23rd International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry”
Contamination monitoring of fish in Ohtsu Harbor, North Ibaraki, and Onagawa Harbor, Miyagi
Installation of a non-destructive contamination monitoring device for crops at the Yakurai Souvenir
Center in Kami, Miyagi
Presentation at the “7th Bio-PIXIE International Symposium” in Bled, Slovenia
Installation of a whole body counter for children at the Azuma Hospital for Neurosurgery
Installation of unmanned radio monitoring systems for detection of radioactive cesium 137 in 		
the countryside of Fukushima (24 devices) and Miyagi (2 devices) to assess the effects of 		
decontamination measures and automated monitoring

2015
1
		
4
6
7
12
		

Presentation of projects regarding the state of recovery after the nuclear accident at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant at the City University of Hong Kong
Installation of a whole monitoring device in the Kosai area of Marumori, Miyagi
Presentation at the “22nd International Conference on Ion Beam Analysis” (IBA2015)
Fourth “Workshop on Nuclear Facility Testing and Decontamination of Fukushima”
Development for Cs monitoring for surfaces of trees without felling, joint investigation with 		the Ohira Branch of the Miyagi Prefectural Forestry Technology Institute

2016
3
		
		
4
		
4
		

Installation of unmanned monitoring devices for instant detection radioisotopes on the rooftop of
the Center for Remediation Engineering for Living Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes andmonitoring of radiation
Initiation of the project “Development of Technology for the Restoration of Environments Contaminatedby Radioisotopes”
Establishment of the Research Center for Remediation Engineering of Living Environment Contaminatedwith Radioisotopes

2017
5
		
5
		
		
5
		
5
		
10

Discovery of low contaminated wild vegetables (below 137Cs20Bq/kg) growing on high contaminatedsoil (137Cs20000Bq/kg) within the restricted area in Iitate, Fukushima
First demonstration of radioactive cesium absorption in the surface of sediment particles via autoradiography,
presentation of the result in the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology Cogent Engineering (2017),4: 4titled “An analysis of radioactivity distribution in soil particles using an autoradiogram method”
First Successful Imaging of Radioactivity Distribution in Contaminated Soil Particles Using Imaging Plates.
Releasing results in the international journal Cogent Engineering, Vol.4, 2017, issue 1
Vegetation analysis in the highly contaminated Iitate area, Fukushima, regarding radiation. Most of
the plants values were below 100Bq/kg.
33rd PIXE Symposium, publishing result regarding elution of alkalines and alkaline earth metals from tea leaves

2018

1
1
9
11

Publishing results regarding clay barriers in decontaminated fields at the 9th PIXE Symposium
Publishing self-cleansing effect of radioactive cesium in rain in the international journal Cogent Engineering
Collecting fish contaminated with strontium 90 in Odaka, Minamisoma, Fukushima.
Publishing results regarding the accumulation of alkaline earth metals in shitake mushrooms at the 34th PIXE Symposium

2019

3
9

Publishing results regarding the elution of radioactive cesium and nonelution of strontium from tea leaves
Published results about infiltration of radioactive Cs in marsh sediments in Cogent Engineering (2019), 6: 1662573

2020

3

Restoration of the “B-01P1 Radioactivity Monitoring System for Agricultural Products“ (installed at the
Kosai Community Development Center in Marumori, Miyagi), which was flooded and submerged by
Typhoon No. 19 in October 2019.
Successful development of an instrument using a double proportional counter that can detect strontium
90 by measuring beta rays from yttrium 90 and publication in the journal of the Radiation Divisionof the Japan Society of Applied Physics “Radiation” volume 45, issue 3, p.116-121 (2020) with the title“Development of a 90Y monitoring equipment using the coincidence measurement between two 		
proportional counter tubes”
Investigation of Strontium-90 Contamination of Underwater Insects Preyed upon by Fish in Odaka,
Minamisoma, Fukushima

		

		
7
		
		
		
		
9
		

114

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Technology for Decontaminating the Environment]◆◆◆◆◆◆

Establishment of the Center for Remediation
Engineering for Living Environments
Contaminated with Radioisotopes
In order to promote the project “Development of Technology for
the Restoration of Living Environments Contaminated by Radioactive
Material” we established the “Center for Remediation Engineeringfor Living Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes” in the
Aobayama Campus within the disused old Cobalt-60 Laboratory
Facilities of the Department of Quantum Sciences and Energy
Engineering at the School of Engineering in December 2012.

Reutilization of disused facilities (old Cobalt-60 Laboratories)

the Center for Remediation Engineering for Living Environments Contaminated with Radioisotopes◆◆◆◆◆◆

Unmanned Wireless Telemetry System for
Radiation Dose Rate by Radioactive Cesium
We installed wireless telemetry devices for automated monitoringof Cs137 in the countryside of Fukushima (22 devices) and Miyagi(2 devices) to assess the weathering effects including rain on
decontamination in December 2012.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Analysis of Contaminated Soil Particles
Immediately after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant, based on specific radioactivity of various grain sizes wepointed out that radioactive cesium was absorbed in the surface ofsoil particles and proved this fact by micron CT utilizing ion beams
from accelerators. We published the research outcome at the “22ndInternational Conference on Ion Beam Analysis” in June 2015.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Decontamination Experiments
The main reason for increased space dose rates in contaminatedareas is the absorbed radioactive cesium in the surface of the soil. The
space dose rate in these regions can be decreased by removing thecontaminated surface layer of the soil. We organized decontamination
activities in Fukushima and Miyagi after the nuclear reactor accident
and in December 2012, we tested the effectiveness of high efficientdecontamination methods with the cooperation residents from Iidate,
Fukushima, and the collaboration of Kinki, Kyoto, and Hokkaido
Universities to decrease the space dose rates.

Analysis of Contaminated Soil Particles

115

Project 06

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Technology for Decontaminating the Environment]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Non-destructive Radioactive Contamination
Monitoring of Food As-a-whole

Analysis of Contaminated Vegetation

Conventional methods for radioactive cesium measurement in foodblended the subject and monitored the values of the juice. However,in collaboration with the city of Fukushima, we developed a nondestructive method to monitor contamination of food “as a whole”,
contributing to the industry of Fukushima. Currently more than 20
devices are operating in the prefectures of Fukushima and Miyagi (3 inMarumori, 1 in Kami), contributing to the safety and relief of residents.

Development and installment of non-destructive radioactive contamination
monitoring of food “as a whole”.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Periodic Monitoring of Space Dose Rates
Due to the accident of Fukushima Daiichi’s nuclear power plantradioactive cesium was dispersed in the atmosphere, resulting inincreased radiation space dose rates. We organized periodic observations
after the accident and monitored space dose rates in Sendai, Natori,
Iwanuma, Watari, Yamamoto, Kakuda, and Marumori (Miyagi) oncea week after April 2012 (currently once a month) and communicatedthe results to the general public via e.g. Tohoku University’s web page.
Since there were observation points in Fukushima, where the space dose
rate exceeded 10mSv/year, we organized comparative observations toassess the safety of the region and found spots in Guarapari, Brazil, withspace dose rates of 76mSv/year in nature.

Immediately after the accident at the nuclear power plant, it was
indicated that radioactive cesium was adsorbed in the surface of soil
particles and difficult to dissolve in water, and thus possibly transferredto the vegetation. Furthermore, radioactive cesium absorbed by ionexchangers or organic materials contained in small amounts within thesoil is known to transfer easily, contaminating the vegetation and crops.
In this project we analyzed the transfer coefficient of radioactive cesiumin the natural vegetation of Iitate, Fukushima, and confirmed the low
value of 0.02. We made this research outcome public at the “23rdInternational Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Researchand Industry” in May 2014. Additionally, regarding contamination ofrice, we were able to visualize the adsorption of cesium in the bran ofgrain by the Micro PIXE Analysis utilizing accelerators. This result was
published at the “International Conference on Particle Induced X-ray
Emission” in March 2013.

Spatial chemical analysis of a rice grain by Micro PIXE Analysis Method utilizing
accelerators.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Contamination Analysis with Belt Conveyor
Type Non-destructive Individual Continuous
Contamination Inspection Machines
We developed equipment for non-destructive radioactive
contamination inspection of fish unloaded at harbor markets (beltconveyor type non-destructive individual continuous contamination
inspection machines) and commissioned the production at disaster
stricken small and medium sized businesses in Ishinomaki, Miyagi.
This equipment swiftly examines the radioactive contamination levelof fish and provides support for the fishermen as well as safety for the
consumer. The machine is currently used at fish markets in the harborsof Ishinomaki, Onagawa (both Miyagi) and Ohtsu (Ibaraki) for theradioactive contamination inspection of fish as well as the examinationof bamboo shoots in Marumori (Miyagi).

Space dose rate monitoring in Guarapari, Brazil (March 2013)◆◆◆◆◆◆

Volume Reduction of Contaminated Soil
Utilizing the fact that radioactive cesium is absorbed
in the surface of soil particles, and by aqueous cleaning ofcontaminated soil, we developed a method to reduce the volume
of contaminated soil to a tenth of its original and applied thetechnique to decontaminate the schoolyards of two elementary
schools and playgrounds of two nursery schools in Marumori,
Miyagi. We also succeeded in designing a mini-plant condensing
radioactive cesium with similar volume reduction rates.

Mini-plant design for volume reduction of contaminated soil by aqueous cleaning.

Installation of the belt conveyor type non-destructive individual continuous radioactive contamination inspection machine.

116

117

Project 06

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Technology for Decontaminating the Environment]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Health Assuarance and Security for Children

Promoting International Exchange

It is said that the effects of radioactive exposure on children is about
twice as it is the case with adults and there is continuous anxiety ofparents after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi’s nuclear power plant.
In this project we developed awhole body counter for children
and organized measurements at twoplaces in the city of Fukushima,
providing relief regarding radiationand contributing to the healthassurance of children.

In October 2013, we held invited lectures at the Academia Sinica
in Taiwan. We also had the opportunity to expand and promoteinternational exchange and relationships at the City University of Hong
Kong in January 2015,
where we reported the status
and progress of recoveryof the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant,
and we are continuing tointernationally publish andcommunicate the contents
as well as outcomes of our
projects.

Whole body counter for children(Azuma Hospital for Neurosurgery）

Natural Cleansing and Decontamination
Effect of Radioactive Cesium
We established an observation system, to monitor the radioactivityof cesium and the weathering effect from rain in remote areas andmountains by transmitting radiation data via radio waves to thelaboratory in Sendai. Currently 23 locations including Marumori,
Fukushima, Iitate, Minamisoma and Namie are under observation.

◆◆◆◆◆◆Natural separation of contaminated soil
and successful development of simple Sr90
detectors
As a result of analyzing contaminated soil deposited on the bottomof swamps in seven locations (Iitate, Soma, Fukushima), we discovered,
when contaminated soil flows into swamps from mountains and fields,
soil with a large particle size at the water surface was deposited on thebottom of the lake near the mouth of the river, while soil with a smaller
particle size was deposited on the bottom of the lake farther from themouth. Therefore, in swamps, contaminated soil was naturally separated.
The main radioactive material scattered around Fukushima
is cesium-137, but there is also about 1/100th of the amount ofstrontium-90, which is extremely dangerous and accumulates inbones when ingested. In areas where radiation is high and still underevacuation, this cannot be ignored. However, the analysis is usually
done by very time-consuming chemical separation. Therefore, we havedeveloped a simple strontium-90 detector that utilizes the fact thatwhen two sets of proportional counters are detected simultaneously, theradiation has to be beta radiation. This will allow a new strontium-90
contamination survey to be conducted in Fukushima.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Investigating the Vegetation in Highly
Contaminated Areas
Whole body counter for children (Fukushima Health and Welfare Center).

Lecture on contamination in Fukushima at the City University of Hong Kong.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Organization of Workshops
In the years from 2012 to 2015, we organized the annual “Workshop
on Nuclear Facility Testing and Decontamination of Fukushima”(participants from the universities Tohoku, Hokkaido, Tokyo Tech,
Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kinki, Kobe, and Kyushu) in July andFukushima Decontamination Workshop (participants from 8 universities).

conducted decontamination tests and experiments in Iitate, Fukushima.
In December 2013 and February 2016, we held an international
workshop with the topic “Recovery after the Nuclear Catastrophe in
Fukushima” gathering participants from five countries and having lively
discussions as well as evaluations and advice for our projects.

We Monitored the specific radioactivity of cesium in highly
contaminated areas of Iitate, Fukushima. Although the soil displayed
values of 30000Bq/kg
2cm from the surface,
the intensity decreased
exponentially with thedepth. The vegetation
displayed values below
100Bq/kg.
Sampling of marsh bottom sediments

Organization of international workshops.

Simple Strontium 90 Detector

118

119

Project 06
Nuclear Decommissioning
and Environmental Restoration ProjectEvaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant,
radioactive materials were released into the environment. It is necessary
to scientifically understand how the long-term continuous exposure toradiation might affect human health and the ecosystem.
This project aimed to correctly understand the effects of radioactive
substances to living organisms and to contribute radiation protection ofhumans.We are collecting the biological samples from livestock and wild
animals of the ex-evacuation zone in a 20km radius of the nuclear power
plant and analyzing them.Furthermore, we are organizing the sample
archive in which both collected samples and the data are contained for
future scientists to analyze.

120

Project Leader
International Research Institute ofDisaster Science

Senior Assistant Professor
Masatoshi Suzuki

We have continued our research on the effectsof the Great East Japan Earthquake, especially on
the environment and living organisms caused byradiation disasters, mainly in the Hamadori area after
the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plant. The data shows that the amount of radioactive
substances in the environment and wildlife has
decreased in the 10 years since the accident, andthat they are steadily recovering. On the other hand,
it is still required to continue research on the longterm effects specific to radiation disasters, such as
trace amounts of radioactive substances remaining
in the environment and decommissioning work. In
this project, we will continue to conduct field surveys
and use the archived materials we have collected topass on lessons learned about radiation disasters to
the future in the form of reconstruction knowledge.
We would like to express our gratitude to the local
communities and partners for their continuous
cooperation in wildlife surveys and related activities,
and to all those who have supported this project.

121Project 06

Project Activities

2011

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration ProjectEvaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals

8
11
		

Initiation of the Project for the Comprehensive Radiation Assessment of Disaster Affected Animals
First publication of findings about the internal distribution of artificial radionuclides in body of disaster
affected cattle in The Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun

2012

4
9

“Kick-off Meeting of the Project for the Comprehensive Radiation Assessment of Disaster Affected Animals”
Multiple sessions related to the nuclear accident at “The 55th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Radiation
Research Society” at the Tohoku University Kawauchi Campus organized by Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC)

2013
1
		
5
		
6
7
10

Publication of findings related to internal distribution of artificial radionuclides in disaster affected
cattle by Asso. Prof. Fukuda (GS Agri. Sci.) and Asso. Prof. Kino (GS Sci.) in the journal PLOS One
Presentation of project activities by Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC) as Keynote speaker in five international
meetings held in Germany (May, 2013), India (Nov, 2014) and Japan (May and Jul, 2015 and Jun, 2017)
Japan Pathology Award for Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC)
Production of a French documentary film about contents of the project
Publication of findings related to the impact of artificial radionuclides on testicles of disaster
affected cattle in the journal Scientific Reports by Asst. Prof. Yamashiro (Niigata University)

2014“Workshop on Research for the Comprehensive Radiation Assessment of Disaster Affected Animals”
Achievement Award by the Radiation Effects Association (2014.4.) and Sugawara Award by
the International Association for the Sensitization of Cancer Treatment (2014.6) for Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC)
Workshop on research related to disaster affected animals at “The 57th Annual Meeting of the JapaneseRadiation Research Society” by Asst. Prof. Suzuki (IDAC) and Asst. Prof. Yamashiro (Niigata University)

		

3
4

		
10
		
2015

5
9

		
10
12
2016

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Investigation of Disaster Affected Animals
to Analyze the Effects of the Nuclear Power
Plant Accident in Fukushima
After the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima, livestock andwild animals (disaster affected animals) left in the ex-evacuation zone
were effected by long-term external and internal complex exposure
to radiation. In our project, we sampled blood and organs of disaster
affected animal which were euthanized for administrative reasons andconducted radioactive measurements, biochemical investigations,and pathological as well as molecular biological analyses to gather
important data and investigate the effects of radiation on animals.

Furthermore, we established a Research Network for Radiation Effects
promoting joint research in collaboration with institutes such as
Niigata University, Hirosaki University, and the Fukushima Project
Headquarter of the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological
Science and Technology. Permitted entrance to the ex-evacuation zone
in August 2011, to date (December 2020) we have collected samples
from 350 cattle and 57 pigs. We were also able to gather samples from628 Japanese macaques considered harmful and euthanized in areasof Minamisoma, Namie, and Iitate, Fukushima, as well as the Kaetsu
region of Niigata as a non-contaminated control area and continue ourinvestigation.

“The 1st International workshop on Sample/Tissue Archiving of Radiobiology STAR2015”
Presentation of project activities by Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC) at the “59th Annual at Meeting of the Japan
Society of Nuclear and Radiochemical Sciences” organized by Prof. Sekine (GS Sci.)
Best Presentation Award for Asst. Prof. Suzuki (IDAC) at the “First Radiation Workshop”
Management of the Fukushima Special Edition of the Journal of Radiation Research by Prof. Fukumoto

5
		
10
		

Presentation of our research results in the NHK and BS1 TV Specials “The Exposed Forest”
Publication of research result regarding radioactive strontium in teeth of disaster affected cattle in
the journal Scientific Reports by the group of Graduate Student Koarai (GS Sci.)
Publication of research related to eight blood plasma components highly correlated to internal 		
exposure of cattle in PLOS ONE by Research Fellow Urushibara
Best Presentation Award for Graduate Student Koarai (GS Sci.) at “The 59th Annual Meeting of theJapanese Radiation Research Society”

2017
8
		
9
		

“Workshop on Impact of the Nuclear Accident on Peripheral Organisms” for four years in a row by
Prof. Fukumoto (IDAC)
Best Young Scientist’s Award for Graduate Student Koarai (GS Sci.) at “The 61st Annual Meeting of
the Japanese Radiation Research Society”

2018
3
		
3
		
6
9
		
11
11
11
		

Special Researcher Award for Graduate Student Kaneko (GS Sci.) at the 19th Environmental 		
Radiation Conference
Publication of research result regarding radioactive strontium in teeth of disaster affected cattle in
the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity by the group of Graduate Student Koarai (GS Sci.)
Young Scientist Poster Prize for Asst. Prof Oka at the “EPR BioDose 2018”
Asst. Prof. Oka presents new methods to measure low radiation doses in dental enamel in the Nikkan
Kogyo Shimbun
Achievement Award by the Japanese Radiation Research Society for Prof. Fukumoto
Publication of radiation effects on wild Japanese macaques by Asst. Prof Urushihara(School of Medicine) in the journal Scientific Reports
Workshop on research related to insoluble cesium at a workshop of “The 61st Annual Meeting of
the Japanese Radiation Research Society” by Asst. Prof. Suzuki (IDRRR)

2019
3
		
3
		
5
		
11
		
		
		
		

Hirama Award for undergraduate student Ono (GS Sci) for research on the distribution of radioactive
cesium and evaluation of radiation effects in wild animals.
Publication of results regarding the absorption of radioactive cesium by intestinal bacteria by graduate
student Saito (GS Agri.) in Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Presentation of research achievements in the Hokkaido Shimbun by Prof. Fukumoto and Sen. Asst.
Prof. Suzuki (IRIDeS)
Publication of “Low-Dose Radiation Effects on Animals and Ecosystems - Long-Term Study on
the Fukushima Nuclear Accident” by Prof. Fukumoto as editor, compiling the results of surveys andresearch on the effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident on living organisms and the environment.
The book showcases research results at Tohoku University from Prof. Fukuda (Iwate Univ.), Sen. Asst.
Prof. Suzuki (IRIDeS) and Researcher Koarai (JAEA) and 7 other research collaborators.

2020
3
		
10
		

Asst. Prof. Oka’s results of electron spin resonance analysis of tooth enamel of wild Japanese macaques
to assess the cumulative external radiation dose were published in “Radiation Measurements”.
Sen. Asst. Prof. Suzuki (IRIDeS) presented results of the 9 year project at a workshop held at the 63rd
Annual Meeting of the Japanese Radiation Research Society

122

3
4

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals]

Disaster affected cattle.

Number of samples collected in the years after
the accident.

Investigation of affected animals in the former
evacuation zone.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Storage of Disaster Affected
Animal Samples and Data
Archives of Analysis Samples
In order to enable possible further analyses ofcollected samples in the future we are maintaininga system in which samples can be stored over a long
period without deterioration. We currently havesamples from 628 wild Japanese macaques (as ofDecember 2020), which are biologically close tohumans, and are able to distribute them to researchers
as necessary. Our archive links stored samples withinformation such as the results of measurements andanalyses to date, and can provide this information forresearch purposes. The distribution already started forvarious joint research projects.
Data archives of analysis samples

123

Project 06

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals]◆◆◆◆◆◆

Findings from Disaster Affected Cattle Samples
So far we established the following findings from our analyses ofdisaster affected animal samples.
- The concentration of radioactive cesium in organs of disaster affected
cattle is proportionate to the concentration in the blood. (Details inlater topics)- Examining radiation sensitive testicles of bulls and field mice (apodemus
speciosus), we could not find any anomalies in spermatogenesis
although there was increased cellular turnover. (Details in later topics)◆◆◆◆◆◆- The concentration of radioactive cesium in blood or organs of cattle
depended on the capture point and the food.
- Compared to the control group, lymphocyte DNA of disaster affected
cattle was slightly more damaged, but recovered in time after the
nuclear power plant accident. The damage to the DNA was also causedby age, unrelated to external radiation exposure.
- Biochemical examination of cattle’s plasma revealed slight oxidative
stress related to internal radiation exposure.
These results are thought to be valuable indicators for low level and low
dose rates of radiation.

20 ~ 30 Times Higher Radioactive Exposurein Muscles Compared to Blood – Escaped
Cattle in the Evacuation Zone
In this project, we investigated internal radiation exposure of escaped
cattle within the former evacuation zone of the nuclear power plant
accident. The investigation began in August 2011, when we started to
examine radioactive substances contained in blood, muscles, and organsof euthanized cattle which were dissected with their owners’ permission.
During the course of our investigation, we found that cattle with 60Bq/
kg blood showed 1800Bq/kg from the thighs and the concentrationof radioactive cesium in skeletal muscle was 20 to 30 times higher
compared to blood. Although the concentration in tongues or livers
was lower than in muscles, it was still about 10 times higher comparedto blood and we could detect almost no radioactive cesium in thyroids.
Furthermore, we found that “radioactive silver 110m” was accumulated
in livers, and “Tellurium 129m” with high chemical toxicity
accumulated in kidneys, where the concentration of radioactive silver
was almost 25 times higher compared to the concentration in blood.

These results are also valuable when considering animals with internal
radioactive exposure of muscles and other organs, and show possibilities
for applications on humans to estimate the accumulation of radioactive
materials in muscles and organs by extrapolating the concentration ofradioactive cesium or silver in blood.

Accumulation state of radioactive material in the body of cattle.

◆◆◆◆◆◆No Effects of Cesium to the Spermatogenesis
in Testicles of Bulls and Field Mice
(Apodemus speciosus)
Since Testicles are highly sensitive to radiation, the radiation exposure
was assumed to have an impact on the status and functionality of
testicles. Therefore, we examined testicles of bulls and field mice affectedby the nuclear power plant accident. In particular, we examined a
11-month old bull apprehended in September 2011 within a 20km
radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, an 8-monthmale fetus, and a 12-month old bull caught in January 2012. We also
captured field mice in Namie from 3 places with different air dose rates.
According to our results, radioactive Cesium 134 and Cesium 137
accumulated in all organs almost on similar levels, although skeletal

muscle showed values much higher than the average. We examined thetesticles by microscope, but could not find any anomalies of the internal
structure and the number of sperm cells was also normal. Furthermore,
we investigated the process of sperm cell production via cell division but
could not find any anomalies compared to the control group. Examining
field mice populating an area exposed to µGy/hr-levels of low dose rates,
we verified that spermatogenesis was unaffected, although the cellularturnover of sperm progenitor cells per seminiferous tubule was increased
depending on the dose rates. Based on our findings, we were led to theconclusion that radioactive cesium from the nuclear accident emitted
to the environment did not affect the testicles of the spermatogenetic
functionality of cattle. We published our outcomes regarding cattle in
Nature’s “Scientific Reports” and the results regarding field mice in theAmerican Research Journal “Radiation Research”.

Findings from Disaster Affected Cattle Samples

124

125

Project 06◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Methodology to Evaluate Radiation
Exposure of Japanese Macaques
In order to investigate the causal relationship between the changes
occurring in affected animals and radiation exposure, it is importantto estimate the exposure dose. We therefore developed two types of
evaluation systems to assess radiation doses under conditions suitable forwild Japanese macaques.
The first is to evaluate the accumulated exposure dose by analyzing
the teeth of Japanese macaques using the electron spin resonance (ESR)
method. The ESR method is used to detect and quantify the traces ofradiation exposure that remain in the enamel that makes up the teeth,and to evaluate the radiation dose. Through interdisciplinary research,
we improved the extraction of enamel under less artificial stress and are
analyzing the weak signals. As a result, it is now possible to accurately
evaluate the cumulative exposure dose of wild Japanese macaques in
the range of about 40 mGy or more from the enamel of one to several
teeth of Japanese macaques, which are about one size smaller thanhuman teeth. The lower limit of ourmeasurement indicates that the ESR
method we established can be adopted
to evaluate lower dose as Japanese
Macaque in Fukushima exposed.
Since the ESR method can be used toaccurately estimate exposure doses basedon measurement data, it is expected
to be widely used as a suitable method◆◆◆◆◆◆

for assessing exposure doses of wild animals whose behavioral history is
unknown. The method can also be applied to the estimation of human
exposure doses in the event of radiation disasters.
The second method we established, evaluates radiation dose and dose
rate by simulations optimized for Japanese macaques inhabiting theex-evacuation zone, taking into account their body shape, behavioral
habits, and the dynamics of radioactive cesium in soil. As a result, it
is possible to evaluate exposure dose and dose rate for external andinternal exposure in a relatively short time based on the information on
the capture sites of Japanese macaques or the measurement results ofradioactive cesium concentration in their muscles.
According to the dose evaluation by indipendent two methods, it
became clear that the samples collected in this project are in the range ofdose and dose rate for which current scientific knowledge is not sufficient.

Findings from Samples of Disaster Affected
Japanese macaques
Although not abnormal, wild Japanese macaques from the evacuation
zone displayed decreased numbers of hematopoietic cells dependingon the internal dose rate. This shows the effect of radiation on thehematopoiesis. Furthermore, we observed an increase of oxidative
stress in cattle blood depending on the presence of internal exposure toradiation. These findings are valuable indicators to evaluate and assess
the exposure and effect of radiation in the future.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Communications for Global Communities
Senior Assistant Professor Masatoshi Suzuki (IRIDeS) presented
his findings at the Second World Bosai Forum in November 2019at the session “Toward Restoration after Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Accident”.
In his presentation, he explained the effects of radiation seen in animals
living in the ex-evacuation zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plant accident and made a statement that continued research and studies
are needed to clarify how radiation will affect future health.
Since the effects of exposure to low dose of radiation, such as thosecaused by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, aredifferent from those caused by exposure to high doses of radiation, suchas those caused by the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, it isimportant to widely communicate the research results and inform global
communities.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Publication of Research Activities andAchievements

The 55th Annual Meeting of the Japan
Radiation Research Society

After the first findings about the internal distribution of radioactive
substances in disaster affected cattle was reported in The Nikkei
and Asahi Shimbun in November 2011, our research activities andachievements were presented by numerous newspapers, TV stations,and web pages. A documentary film, for example, produced by aFrench broadcasting organization was nominated at the “Third World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction” held in March 2015 in Sendai,and the NHK special program “The Exposed Forest – Five Years after
the Nuclear Accident” won the Outstanding Performance Award at
the National Arts Festival in 2016, displaying the high interest in the
research activities and outcomes of our project. Contents of interviews
and material fromour research was alsopresented at exhibitionbooths at the “Tohoku
University Innovation
Fair” and the “Third
World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction”.

One and a half year after the nuclear accident in Fukushima, weorganized “The 55th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Radiation ResearchSociety” at Tohoku University Kawauchi Campus in September 2012,
where 519 participants attended our session on matters related to theaccident. We had lively scientific discussions with other attendants andhosted a public lecture titled “Radiation and Mass Media” after theannual meeting, uploading the video of the lecture to inform a wider
audience.

Presentation of research achievements atthe “Third World Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction”.

126

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Restoration Project [Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals]“The 55th Annual Meeting of the Japan Radiation Research Society” at
Kawauchi Campus in Tohoku University.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Establishment of the ”Research Support
Fund for Recovery from Nuclear Disaster”
In order to correctly understandthe effects of low-dose and lowdose-rate radiation exposure, which
is a characteristic of the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear power plant accident,
continuous research and accumulationof scientific knowledge over a long
period of time (several decades) areessential. In addition, by building anarchive of samples obtained throughresearch, we can pass on valuable
samples and knowledge to the next
generation, and it is expected thatchanges which cannot be captured today will be clarified in the futurewith the progress of science and technology. Therefore, in April 2020, thisproject will established the “Research Support Fund for Recovery from
Nuclear Disaster” to ensure the long-term continuation of our researchwith support from the community.

Pamphlet127

Project 07
Regional Industries
Restoration Support Project
Regional Innovation Research Center

In order to recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake, we haveto not only solve apparent issues such as hardware e.g. infrastructure
support, but also continue to investigate local industry and communities,
clarifying problems and recommending solutions, as well as educate
revolutionary producers who will initiate innovations (create new values)
and thus establish new opportunities for employment.
The Regional Innovation Research Center aspires in the following
investigative research and human resource development projects to
support mid to long term recovery of the industry and communities in
the Tohoku region.

Project Leader
Regional Innovation Research Center

Director Masahiko Fujimoto128

Ten years have passed since the earthquake,and in the disaster-stricken areas along theSanriku coast, the reconstruction of infrastructuresuch as seawalls and large-scale bulldozing works
is coming to an end. On the other hand, many ofthe major industries in the fishery industry arestill struggling to secure materials, not only due
to the shortage of manpower, but also due to thecontinued poor catch of major marine products
such as squid and saury. In addition, COVID-19
seriously impacted economic activities, especiallyin the accommodation and food service industries,
and the local economy is becoming increasingly
exhausted.
To revitalize these local economies, I believethat business innovation of new start-ups andexisting local small and medium-sized enterprises
is essential. Our university wants to makecontinuous efforts to support such enterprises.

129

Project 07

Project Activities

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project
Regional Innovation Research Center

Investigative Research of Local Communities
20114

Establishing the Research Center for Disaster Recovery		Initiation of the Investigative Research Project for Regional Industry Regeneration

2013

Presentation related to the disaster recovery at international conferences (South3

		

Korea, France, Belgium, UK)2015

Public forum “Recovery of Industry and Communities in the Tohoku Region” as part3

		of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

2016

5

Initiation of the Tohoku Fishing Industry Innovation Project

2017

3

Interim conference of the Tohoku Fishing Industry Innovation Project

2019

7

“Innovation Seminar” for innovation in the fishery processing industry to secure		Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Regional Innovation Research Center]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Investigative Research Project for Regional
Industry Regeneration

Status Survey of Disaster Recovery in
Companies

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we established the ResearchCenter for Disaster Recovery in April 2011 in which more than 100
researchers from Tohoku University and other institutes gathered ona nationwide scale, promoting the “Investigative Research Project for
Regional Industry Regeneration”. In the course of this project, we
collaborated with various organizations and academic associations as wellas the International Research Institute of Disaster Science of Tohoku
University, aiming for the recovery of the severely damaged local industry,
conducting investigative research to recommend necessary measures andpolicies, and communicating findings and information to the generalpublic. We also implemented large scaled surveys of corporations damagedby the disaster and published the findings of our investigations andresearch in five volumes of “The Great East Japan Earthquake Research”.

One of the main research topics for the Investigative Research Projectfor Regional Industry Regeneration is the correct assessment andevaluation of disaster affected company statuses. In order to keep a mid
to long term record of the recovery process, we organized large scaled
surveys titled “Status Survey of Disaster Recovery in Companies” overfour years from 2012 to 2015. The large scale and continuity of thesurvey aimed at disaster affected companies provided valuable insight for
further progress.

Publication of “The Great East Japan Earthquake Research”

human resources◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

HR Education in Local Communities
2012

9“Kansai Entrepreneurship School” in cooperation with the Kansai Economic 		

		Federation (12 events)

2013

MoU regarding RIPS satellite schools in Hanamaki, Iwate, and Aizuwakamatsu,

4		Fukushima

2014

8

Opening of the Regional Innovation Producer School (RIPS)

5

Alumni network of RIPS graduates leading innovations in Tohoku

5Financial support of 100 Million JPY from the U.S. Prudential Foundation

8

Initiation of two study groups (EDS & BPS) for exchange of RIPS graduates and		development of new businesses

2015

5

Opening of the Regional Innovation Producer School (RIPS)

6

Cooperation & collaboration agreement with the Miyagi Association of Small 		

		
8

2016

MoU regarding RIPS and RIAS satellite schools in Morioka, Iwate, and Koriyama,

Ⅳ Recommendations for
the New Phase in Tohoku
Regeneration (2015.3)

Cooperation & collaboration agreement with the Sendai Cooperative Merchants

		Center

2018

7

Alumni association of RIAS graduates

1

Cooperation & collaboration agreement Hanamaki Shinkin Bank

3

Cooperation & collaboration agreement with Tome, Miyagi

9Opening of the “Right Arm” Executive Education Lectures

3

Cooperation & collaboration agreement with the city of Sendai and the Sendai City		

Industrial Promotion Organization

2020

Online operations of RIPS/RIAS

9Regional Innovation
Café “Challenging
Ordinarity”

Ⅴ How the Disaster
Recovery Changed
Tohoku (2016.3)◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Ⅰ Challenges fromTohoku（2012.3）

Ⅱ Resources, Development& Evolution of Tohoku
Businesses (2013.3)

Ⅲ Recovery from theDisaster, the Power of
Tohoku（2014.2）

Investigative Research Symposium for
Regional Industry Regeneration
We organized seven symposia from 2011 to 2015, reporting on
research projects related toregional industry regeneration anddiscussing relevant matters withother supporters of the regional
recovery in panel sessions.
Symposium “How the Disaster
Recovery Changed Tohoku”

130

We researched innovations of companies fromthe Tohoku region and recorded the process.
The case studies of our investigation were
presented at the “Regional Innovation Café”.
Publication of “Regional Innovations”

		Fukushima

2017

Ⅲ Assessment of Recovery
Policies after the Disasterand Recommendations
for the Creation of New
Industries (2014.3）

Collaboration Platform “Consortium for the Promotion of Regional Innovation in
Tohoku” for HR Education

5

Ⅱ Recommendations for
the Regeneration andRecovery of Industry andSociety in the Tohoku
Region (2013.3)

Business Entrepreneurs

		
1

Ⅰ Recommendations
for Local Economy
Regeneration after
the Great East Japan
Earthquake (2012.3)

Case Study and Investigative
Research Project of Regional
Innovations

Ⅳ Challenging Ordinarity（2015.2）

Ⅴ Challenges fromTohoku to the World（2016.1）

131

Project 07

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Regional Innovation Research Center]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Tohoku Fishing Industry Innovation ProjectThis project is part of Tohoku University’s “Research with Social
Impact” and started 2016 with the aim to innovate the fishery industry(especially the processing industry) of Tohoku for five years. The
innovation of fishing industry in Tohoku to find new ways after thedamages of the Great East Japan Earthquake is an urgent matter. The
characteristic of this project is the collaboration with local communities
and government institutes to establish a concrete plan for the creationof innovations as well as the involvement in the assessment via action
research to evaluate the process and implement appropriate corrections
if necessary. As the first step in 2016, we organized interviews regarding
business models with over 60 fishery processing manufacturers from
Miyagi as well as other prefectures. In 2017 we are establishing an action
plan to set the basic strategy for the future of the fishing industry in the
Tohoku region as the second step. And as the third step after next year,
we implemened tangible measures as well as action research to promote
necessary activities as of 2019.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Communication at the UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction
We communicated research results obtained in collaboration with
university researchers and local communities not only in Japan but alsoin Korea, France, Belgium, and the UK, as well as reported outcomesat the public forum during the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction.

HR Education Leading Regional Innovations
For economic development of the Tohoku region, it is necessary to not only have motivated innovators with challenging ideas and high potential for thecreation of new businesses, but also to be able to find these innovators and support them. It is therefore necessary to educate as many supporters as possible
who will support and guide new innovations in an effective manner.

The Regional Innovation Producer School(RIPS)

Regional Innovation Advisor School(RIAS)

RIPS aims to educate talent and future leaders and to raise innovative
producers who implement new businesses and innovations, who will
engage with the local communities to improve the local industry. In
2019, more than 200 students graduated RIPS and are currently actively
involved in communities of Tohoku. RIPS is organized parallel to RIAS
(educating professional staff specialized to support innovators), so future
innovators are able to obtain necessary knowledge and skills together
with future professional staff and supporters.

RIAS aims to raise supporters who have practical skills to aid andsupport innovative supporters through finances and other professional
expertize. Participants of RIPS and RIAS have the opportunity to learn
new methods for business development together and obtain a newperspective. Through the support training, we aim to nurture a wide
range of supportive skills so participants are able to effectively help otherbusinesses after graduation.

Public Forum at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Educate innovation producers
Develop new businesses and advance support structure after graduation◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Social Innovator HR Education School

Obtaining necessary knowledge
for Social Innovators.

“Kansai Entrepreneurship School” incooperation with the Kansai Economic
Federation
We organized joint lecturesin collaboration with the Kansai
Economic Federation, supporting therecovery after the Great East Japan
Earthquake. Experienced managers
from the Kansai area addressedyoung managers of Tohoku andstudents regarding business plans andinnovations.

Three step action plans for five years.

132

Management

Admission
Manager

Entrepreneurship
Aspirant
Successor

Basic
CourseRegional companies

Support Staff
Dispatching
Financial
Institutes◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
Midterm debriefing conference.

Regional companies

Regional Innovation
Producer School
Businesses & supporters
Discussing important
aspects
・Innovation
・New business opportunities
・Support training

Regional Innovation
Adviser School

Graduation

Strong growth potential
Creation of new businesses

RegionalInnovation
Producer

Advance!

Su

Advanced
CourseGraduation

Discovery
Support

pp

or

t

M
ed
iat
io
n

Project initiation meeting

With the support of the Japan
Association of Corporate Executives,
we organized the support andeducation of future “Social
Innovators”, who will manage
innovative businesses to create
concepts for the solution of social
issues in the Tohoku region.

RegionalInnovation
Adviser
Delegation

Professional support staff
Versatile support staff

Local
Communities
SupportInstitutes

Promote innovation of regional industry
Nurture advanced understanding and support skills

Discourses by experienced
managers from Kansai.

133

Project 07

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Regional Innovation Research Center]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆The Future of RIPS and RIAS Graduates

Financial support of 100 Million JPY fromthe U.S. Prudential Foundation

RIPS and RIAS alumni association functions as a place for continued
learning and mutual study after graduation, and has grown into a
network of innovation producers and supporters of local small andmedium-sized companies that revitalize the Tohoku region. The
activities of the two research groups, the Experience Design Study Group(EDS) and the Business Practice Study Group (BPS), lead to businesscollaboration among alumni and contribute to new innovations.

In order to support disaster recovery, the Prudential Foundation had
provided subsidies of 100 million JPY in total as startup capital for 13
graduates of the RIPS developing excellent business plans.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆“Right Arm” Executive Education Lectures
In order to educate and foster “right arm” executives, highperformance assistants of business executives, necessary for the effective
realization of the strategic plans of RIPS graduates, we provide
opportunities to increase planning and management capabilities as well
as obtain basic knowledge regarding strategy and marketing.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Survey of RIPS Graduates
Every year, we organize a survey for graduates of the RIPS to assess
the business situation after graduation. In 2018, we asked about thesituation of 2012-2016 graduates 2-6 years later. (Survey results from111 businesses, 79.8%, comparing the situation directly after graduation)
According to the analysis, graduates saw an increase in sales and revenue
and many businesses were able to employ more people, showing thepositive effect of our programs.
President Lata Reddy of the Prudential Foundation and the adopted graduates
2014.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Establishing the Collaboration Platform“Consortium for the Promotion of Regional
Innovation in Tohoku” for HR Education
In order to support the businesses of RIPS and RIAS in private-public
collaboration, we established the “Consortium for the Promotion ofRegional Innovation in Tohoku”.

Consortium supporting activities of RIPS and RIAS.

“Right Arm” Executive Education Lectures◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Collaboration with Local Communities
For the promotion of investigative research regarding HR educationand development of industries in Tohoku, we establish multiple
partnerships with local communities, research institutes, businessorganizations, and financial institutions.

Collaboration agreement with Hanamaki Shinkin Bank for the development ofmodel businesses.

Situation after RIPS graduation
Survey of RIPS Graduates (2018.7-9)
139 businesses graduating between 2012-2016 ⇒Response rate 79.8%

134

135

Project 07
Regional Industries
Restoration Support Project

復興農学マイスター
（CAR）
コース

CAR:certiﬁcated agricultural reconstruction
Participants will obtain deeper understanding of agriculture related to natural disasters as well as training in cutting-edge technology
via Agricultural Science for Reconstruction Lectures , Agricultural Reconstruction Field Training (On-site Lectures at Disaster
Stricken Areas) . Graduates will be ready to start working under real life conditions in disaster stricken areas.

IT農業マイスター（CAIT）
コース

CAIT:certiﬁcated agricultural information technology
Participants will obtain deeper understanding of agriculture related to information technology as well as training in cutting-edge
technology via Agricultural Science for Reconstruction Lectures , Agricultural Information Technology Training (On-site Lecturesat Disaster Stricken Areas) . Graduates will be ready to start working under real life conditions.

Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction
CAR

CAIT

復興農学マイスター

Certiﬁcated Agricultural
Reconstruction

IT農業マイスター

FS/JFS

Certiﬁcated Agricultural Information
Technology

復興農学フィールドスペシャリスト
ジュニアフィールドスペシャリスト
Field Specialist/Junior Field Specialist

Our Center was established in April 2014 in order to educate humanresources leading recovery of agriculture and communities in disaster
stricken areas as well as to prepare for issues and problems related to
expected future mega disasters from an interdisciplinary point of view
via education and research.
Graduates of our practice oriented lectures and exercises areconferred qualifications in Certificated Agricultural Reconstruction (CAR)
or Certificated Agricultural Information Technology (CAIT). Tohoku
University Students also have further opportunities to obtain higher
qualifications related to their research in disaster recovery. Dependingon the content of the graduation thesis, they are conferred the title ofJunior Field Specialist (JFS) or Field Specialist (FS). Our characteristic
curriculum received the “President’s Education Award” 2016.
As of 2016 we initiated recovery support actions in Katsurao,
Fukushima, and since 2017 we promote the Fukushima Innovation Coast
Concept to support regional communities.

136

Project Leader
Graduate School of Agricultural
Science

Professor Shinichiro Ogura

We believe that “without the recovery of agriculture,
forestry and fisheries, there will be no recovery of the
Tohoku region”, and we have been working for theprosperous development of the Tohoku region throughthe reconstruction of the food and agriculture sector. In
the educational program, “Agricultural Reconstruction” wediscussed and worked together with many people fromstudents to adults, which gave us many innovative ideas
and the joy of cooperation. I would also like to express mygratitude for the help and advice I received not only fromresearchers but also from many people in the governmentand business sectors in the reconstruction of the disaster
stricken areas. It has been a great source of support forme to have formed bonds with many people with different
positions and specialties through reconstruction activities.
In order to overcome the aftermath of the disaster andrestore a diverse and rich agricultural, mountainousand fishing community, we continue to collaborate with
agricultural science and various other fields to build a
new food and agricultural system.

137

Project 07

Project Activities

2014

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project
Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction

4

Establishment of the Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction (TASCR)

4

Kick-off symposium of TASCR

5Starting lectures of the center with 103 students

7

Publication of “Rapeseed Science ~ the Regeneration of Saltwater Damaged 				Farmland” presenting achievements of the rapeseed project9

On-site experience workshop of the rapeseed project11

Excellence Award in the R&D and New Technology category of the Food Action

		
		
3

Organic rice “Tohokudai ni Hitomebore” from Kawatabi Seminar Center sold in stores at
Students presenting at the public forum “Let’s build a Model Village – New Agriculture
Disaster Risk Reduction

4
		

Publication of the Second edition of “Rapeseed Science ~ the Regeneration of 		Saltwater Damaged Farmland”

10		

Compost Science at Kawatabi Seminar Center

12		“Tohokudai ni Hitomebore” rice sold in all stores of cooperative shops in Tohoku
University by course participants2		

Memorial Lecture “Utilizing Agricultural Knowledge for Environmental Maintenance of Livestock”
by Prof. Nakai on his Japan Agricultural Award at the cutting edge agriculture symposium

56		Visit of two professors from Nizhny Novgorod State Agricultural Academy
Selection of the topic “Development of a new ICT “high value-added farming modelin harmony with nature“ for the promotion of agriculture in mountainous regions“ as a		subsidy for the project to promote practical development for regional reconstruction

10

Katsurao monitoring tours by volunteers to increase rural population

10

Cooperation & collaboration agreement between the Graduate School of Agricultural		3“Tohoku University President’s Education Award 2016”
Volunteers joining “Tour de Katsurao”

5

Publication of Rapeseed Science results in “Utilizing Agricultural Knowledge forApproval of the regional reconstruction and development project “Development of High Functionaland Stable Food Supply Technology and an Efficient Sales Structure of Regional Specialties”

6		

Approval of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Concept “Utilizing Recovery Knowledge
for the Creative Reconstruction of Katsurao”

11

Completed two plant factories (plastic greenhouses) in the Katsurao Tohoku University field

3

Presentation by 2 graduate students at MAFF’s “Special Exhibition regarding the Great		

East Japan Earthquake”
9

Tasting of the first harvest of mangoes in Katsurao

12

New plant factory building (third building) completed in Katsurao

9

Publication of the Agricultural Reconstruction monograph11

Tasting of organic tomatoes in Katsurao

11

Rice harvested in Katsurao “Satoyama no Tsubu“ was distributed to new students as

		
12

138

Agricultural Science for Reconstruction Lectures(Common Lectures for each Certificate)

Agricultural Reconstruction Field Training(Certificated Agricultural Reconstruction Course)

We conduct omnibus type lectures regarding the interdisciplinary
education about the primary industry. After each lecture, working adults
and students discuss and present their findings in randomized mixed
groups. The discussion and findings will be supported and evaluatedby the lecturer as well as
supporting teaching staff.

In this course students have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge
agricultural technology as well as get firsthand experience of production
systems at the Kawatabi Seminar Center, create reconstruction plans ofvillages and agricultural production in group discussions, and actuallydebate and recommend the results. In particular, a multitude of excursions
are organized, investigating tide-water control forests in the coastal regionof Iwanuma, Miyagi, analyzing
the biodiversity in paddy
fields, examining resource
circulation systems utilizing
the heat from hot springs, andobserving the behavior of cows
in pasturelands.
Field training at Millennium Hope Hills.

Discussion groups at lectures.

Reconstruction - The Rapeseed Science Project”
6		◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆“Tohokudai ni Hitomebore” sold at the Homecoming Day

6
		

2020

Number of conferred certificates.

Science and Katsurao, Fukushima

10

2019

Award ceremony for the “President’s Education Award”.

Public seminar “’The 21st Century as Environmental Epoch’ Let’s talk about recycling! –Livestock manure as important resource” at Tohoku University’s Project of Integrated

2018

Our center currently confers four different certificates (Japan’s first)
in order to nurture human resources with necessary skills regarding
both specialized scientific literacy and on-site communication to leadthe swift recovery of villages and agriculture in disaster stricken areas.
In the six years from 2014 to 2019, we conferred 257 CertificatedAgricultural Reconstruction (CAR) [171 students, 86 working adults],
and 206 Certificated Agricultural Information Technology (CAIT) [118students, 88 working adults]. Tohoku University’s students involvedin even more specialized research related to each certificates will also
be conferred certificates of Junior Field Specialist (so far 34 students)
or Field Specialist (so far 14 students), based on the content of theirindividual theses. Furthermore, the education curriculum of our center
was awarded the “President’s Education Award” in March 2017.

& Safe, Peaceful, and Fruitful Communities” at the Third UN World Conference on

		

2017

Certificates and Degrees conferredby the Tohoku Agricultural Science Center
for Reconstruction

cooperative shops in the Graduate School of Agricultural Science and School of Engineering

		

2016

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Nippon Awards 2014 for the rapeseed project

12
2015

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction]

COVID support.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

On-site Lectures at Disaster Stricken Areas(Common Lectures for each Certificate)

Agricultural Information Technology Training(Certificated Agricultural IT Course)

We provide necessary knowledge as well as experience for the future
recovery of individual areas struck by the disaster. The on-site lectures ofthe first term were organizedin eastern Sendai and East
Matsushima, for the second
term in Onagawa, and fromthe third to the sixth termin Katsurao, Fukushima.

This course provides practical applications of “Agricultural
Information Technology”, educating most recent examples utilizing IT
equipment, and discussing issues and agricultural problems as well as
introduction plans. There areopportunities for students to
get firsthand experience with
cutting edge technology suchas weather, temperature andhumidity sensors, remotemonitoring systems, or drones
Agricultural information technology
for utilization in the field.
training using drones.

Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction Symposium “Achievements andObjectives of Agricultural Reconstruction”

On-site lectures at disaster stricken areas
in Katsurao, Fukushima.

139Project 07

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆“Tohokudai ni Hitomebore” Project

The Appeal of Agriculture – Farming is Cool!

This project was initiated by volunteers of our courses in order tobring word of the profundity of agriculture and the excellent tasteof the rice grown with the “Winter Watered Paddy Field Farming
Method” they experienced at the investigations and inspections during“Agricultural Reconstruction Field Training” to as many members of
Tohoku University as possible. With the “Winter Watered Paddy Field
Farming Method”, paddy fields are continuously filled with water evenduring the winter, protecting birds of passage and other smaller animals
and vitalizing the soil with their presence. This is an organic farming
method, not relying on chemicals and is currently adopted in the TajiriKabukurinuma area of Miyagi.
During the activities, promotional material was created, necessary
steps for commercialization were taken, and information was distributed
through social media. Furthermore, study groups or tasting eventswere organized, communicating the various activities of the Kawatabi
Seminar Center with cooperation of other members. In 2014, thevolunteers named the organic rice grown at the Kawatabi Seminar
Center “Tohokudai ni Hitomebore” (“Hitomebore” being the brand of
the rice, but also meaning “Love at first sight with Tohoku University”),
and sold the products at cooperative stores of the Graduate School of
Agricultural Science and the School of Engineering in order to raise theinterest in agricultural regeneration. In collaboration with graduatesof the course in 2018 we sold a record amount of 240kg (300g x 800
packages)."

In October 2014, volunteers from our courses participated in public
lectures at the Kawatabi Seminar Center, presented the knowledge
and experience obtained at the Agricultural Science Center for
Reconstruction, and promoted the appeal and importance of agriculture
to the general public. Many children were also engaged, experiencing
our motto “Farming is Cool!” at first hand.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Rapeseed Project for Regeneration of
Saltwater Damaged Farmland

Public Seminar at the UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction

We utilize salt resistant rapeseeds for the regeneration of farmland
damaged by saltwater from the tsunami after the Great East Japan
Earthquake and aim for the full recovery of disaster stricken agriculture.
We selected the only salt resistant species from the gene bank of the
Plant Genetics and Breeding research field and conducted experimental
seeding in saltwater damaged area farmlands of Miyagi and Fukushima.
Furthermore, we 1) established a stable production method for rapeseeds
for improvement of soil quality, 2) developed a marketing strategy for
rapeseed oil, and 3) created an autonomous energy provision systemutilizing biodiesel obtained from rapeseed oil.
The research results of our project were chosen as a highlight
paper at the Japan Geoscience Union Conference in April 2014 from
more than 4000 presentations, recognized as highly newsworthy andhaving academic as well as social impact. In July 2014 we published“Rapeseed Science ~ the Regeneration of Saltwater Damaged Farmland”(first edition sold out, second edition on sales) and in May 2018 wepublished the second book “Agricultural Knowledge for Reconstruction- The Experience of Tohoku University’s Rapeseed Project”. Also in
November 2014, we received the Award of Excellence in the “Researchand New Technology” category at MAFF’s “Japan Award for Food
Action 2014”.

In March 2015, a public seminar was organized at the North
Kawauchi Campus in Tohoku University within the course of the forumof the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, titled “Let’sbuild a Model Village – New Agriculture & Safe, Peaceful, and FruitfulCommunities”. 13 graduates of the Tohoku Agricultural Science Center
for Reconstruction recommended measures for disaster prevention,
disaster mitigation, and resilient communities on four topics regarding
the autonomous supply of energy and resources at “Model Villages”.
After the presentation, the ca. 60 participants were involved in thediscussion, some of which expressing interest to enter the curriculumof the center the following year. It was a very meaningful event,communicating future measures for reconstruction and regeneration as
well as issues, giving both the participants and presenters an opportunity
to think about the current situation in Tohoku and attract new members
to our curriculum.

Rice harvesting at the Kawatabi Seminar Center.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Acting toward Reconstruction One by One –Activities of Working Adults
Group discussion after the presentations.

There are many working adults participating in the courses who also
are involved in reconstruction support and related activities at theirplaces of employment. For example, employees of financial institutes
in Miyagi visit communities of disaster stricken coastal areas to support
the reconstruction of towns and villages, and specialists from IT
firms cooperate with their suppliers to provide second hand personal
computers to communities.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Weed Removal and Sheep Grazing for the
Recovery of the Soul

Tasting event at the Homecoming Day.
Weed and sludge removal at farmlands.

Sales of “Tohokudai ni Hitomebore”

140

Explanation of the recovery process in disaster stricken Onagawa by working
adults.

Explication of rapeseeds in full bloom
at tsunami stricken farmlands.

Rapeseed oil obtained from tsunami
stricken farmlands.

In disaster stricken areas of Iwanuma, Miyagi, destroyed by thetsunami, a lot of weed is currently growing wildly, impairing the sceneryand interfering with reconstruction works. Asso. Prof. Yu Yoshihara’s
research suggests meaningful results from experimental weed removal
utilizing grazing of
sheep. Furthermore,by looking after the
sheep in cooperation
with local residents
also presents anopportunity for animal
therapy, leading to therecovery of the soulas well as teaching
children a valuablelesson about theimportance of life.
Animal therapy with Suffolk sheep.

141

Project 07

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Regional Industries Restoration Support Project [Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for Reconstruction]◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Activities with the Community of
Katsurao, Fukushima

Construction of a Pilot Plant Factory at
Katsurao

The community of Katsurao in Fukushima is a small
village with a population of 1500 before the Great East
Japan Earthquake. Due to the accident at TEPCO’s
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the entire
community was forces to evacuate, and although theevacuation order war partially revoked in June 2016,
there are only 326 residents back in the village as ofNovember 1, 2020. The community as well as the local
industry is currently facing extinction due to the declineof the population and is in urgent need of necessary
resources and new ideas to counteract the problems.
Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Agricultural
Science initiated the “Tohoku University Rapeseed
Project” in 2014, provided the know-how regarding
methane fermentation systems, and recommended
appropriate measures for reconstruction and creation ofa new town. This was considered as opportunity to also
introduce student excursions of the center to disaster
stricken areas, establish collaboration agreements, andstrengthen the relation overcoming a distance of ca.
160km. As of 2016 we conduct the restoration support
projects collaboration with the community of Katsurao,practicing new methods not only in education but also in
research toward the recovery of local communities.

With the approval of the regional reconstruction and development
project “Development of High Functional and Stable Food Supply
Technology and an Efficient Sales Structure of Regional Specialties” in
2018, we started the construction of a pilot plant factory in Katsurao,
Fukushima. By applying the agricultural IT, we are experimentally
growing mangoes, a tropical plant that has never been cultivated in thenorthern region, and organic tomatoes in a plant factory. In 2019 we
attracted much attention from the media with a mango tasting event,◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Overview of the reconstruction support project at Katsurao.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Collaboration Agreement with theCommunity of Katsurao and Installment ofSatellite Facilities
The community of Katsurao in Futaba, Fukushima, concluded acollaboration and cooperation agreement with the Graduate School of
Agricultural Science in October 2016 in order to promote research andeducation as well as develop new technologies regarding farming, stock
breeding, and related productions for the recovery of the area on the one
side and to solve the problems of the community and revitalize the region
on the other. Furthermore, a satellite facility of the center was establishedwithin the community to conduct education and research activities.

Inauguration ceremony of the satellite facility in Katsurao.

142◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

even with participants from outside the community. Currently, we are
testing various cultivation methods to achieve an even higher quality,
increasing fruit size and sugar content.

Mango tree (left) and tomatoes (right) at the plant factory◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Promoting Exchange with Visits to Disaster
Stricken Communities

Interacting with community members of
Katsurao through paddy rice cultivation

As part of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Concept “Utilizing
Recovery Knowledge for the Creative Reconstruction of Katsurao”, we
invited Tohoku University members, affiliates from other universities
and IT professionals to Katsurao and showed the current status ofrecovery after the disaster. The tours are very meaningful as people
see the impact of the evacuation caused by the nuclear accident at thetime of the disaster firsthand. They can also observe the current state ofreconstruction and issues, and have the opportunity to talk to people
from the community. So far the project attracted 324 participants,
Furthermore, in FY 2019, an IT programming class for elementary
school students was held in Katsurao as educational exchange aimed
at promoting IT technology. We will continue to promote mutual
exchange through repeated visits to the affected areas.

Since 2016, we rented a paddy field in Katsurao and have been
growing paddy rice every year with the help of local farmers. In 2019and 2020, we also held rice planting and harvesting events. Together
with the general public, students from Tohoku University and Koriyama
Women's University, who have signed a cooperation agreement with
Katsurao, experienced rice cultivation while interacting with the villagers
through these events. Additionally, Tohoku University exhibiteda booth at the 2019 Katsurao Thanksgiving Festival and deepened
exchanges with visitors by offering specialty coffee. We will continue
our interactions with community members of Katsurao and furtherseek
activities that contribute to the community.

International students visiting Field visit
Katsurao(At an elementary school in Namie, which
was hit by the tsunami)

Rice planting event (2019)

Searching for Regional Revitalization Ideas
through Monitor Tours
In autumn 2016, volunteers from our courses organized destination
management and marketing activities in Katsurao, obtaining necessary
ideas to increase the population and regenerate the region throughseveral monitor tours visiting various sites. The results were summarized
in a pamphlet and recommended to the local communities. These
activities were selected as part of Regional Economy and Industry
Vitalization Support Projects 2016.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Releasing and publishing the Agricultural
Reconstruction Lectures as Digital Archive

Investigation of the historic “Magai
Buddha” site in Katsurao.

Meeting with members of thecommunity.

Since the establishment of the
Tohoku Agricultural Science Center
for Reconstruction, there have been six
courses in “Agricultural Reconstruction”.
In total 51 teachers were involved,
supporting 463 Meister graduates.
Although the lectures were cancelled in2020 due to COVID-19, we published adigital version of the lectures to preserve
the content so far and have begun tomake them available to the public on alimited basis.

Experiencing threshing withoutmachinery during rice harvesting(2020)

Agricultural Reconstruction
LecturesDonation of rice produced in Katsurao to
new students and a children's cafeteria
during COVID-19
In the midst of the spread of COVID-19 in 2020, we distributed rice
grown and harvested at Tohoku University's paddy fields in Katsurao(Fukushima-bred variety “Satoyama-no-Tsuzumi”) to children's cafeterias
in Sendai City (30 kg each to two
locations) and to students of Tohoku
University's Faculty of Agriculture.
The initiative was made possible withthe cooperation of the Meisters ofAgricultural Reconstruction and thecommunity members of Katsurao.
Distribution of rice to new students.

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Project 08
Industry-Academia Collaboration Development
Project for Reconstruction
In this project we collaborate with local communities and affiliateorganizations and utilize policies and programs of the government,
MEXT, or METI to support enterprises in disaster stricken areasof Tohoku in various ways. We aspire to practically implement andcommercialize the seeds and research outcomes of Tohoku University inindustry-academia collaboration in order to promote the recovery of theindustry of heavily damaged regions.

144

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Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction

Project Activities

Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction

Ultra Low Friction Technology
Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology
2012

10

Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology Symposium (annual, ~2017.1.)■ Ultra Low Friction Technology Area
2012

10

International tribology symposium collaborating with the Green Tribology Innovation Network (GRENE)

2013

4

Course for sharing equipment and facilities

4

First regional collaboration exchange, meeting for technology consultations

2014

4

Collaborative research with the Miyagi Industrial Technology Institute and 5 regional enterprises (~2017)

2015

4

Tohoku Economic Federation’s “Project for the Development of New Enterprises and Support of Alliances”

7

METI’s “Projects to support the advancement of strategic core technologies”

2016

10

Private-public symposium on “Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology – Ultra-Low Friction Technology”

2017

3

Research workshop on “Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology – Ultra-Low Friction Technology”■ Ultra-Low Core Loss Magnetic Material Technology Area
2014

2015

6

Successful development of nano-crystalline soft-magnetic material drastically reducing energy loss

9

Opening ceremony of the Material Solutions Center (MaSC)

12

Verifying the world leading energy efficiency of high efficient motors

11

Successful production of FeNi magnets completely free of rare earth elements

11

Establishment of the “Tohoku Magnet Institute (TMI)”

2

Successful pilot production of a compressor motor utilizing the revolutionary nano-crystalline alloy

2016

		NANOMET ®
■ High Efficiency Rare Elements Extraction Technology Area
2013

11

International workshop on rare materials recycling technology

2015

2

Pilot production of the LIBS sorter

8

Technology seminar on automobile recycling for new developments in the recycling industry

2

Seminar on the new E-Scrap recycling system

6

Tohoku Forum on Precious Metals Recycling

6

Workshop on extraction and separation of precious metals

2016◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Industry Collaboration in
Ultra Low Friction Research
Utilizing Cutting-Edge
Science and Technology
Friction reduction technology is appliedin many industry areas, e.g. automobile
industry, as well as everyday life,
contributing to effective energy utilization,and is key to safety and security, being also
very important for the realization of a lowcarbon society. We promoted developmentof ultra-low friction technology based on
the nano level analysis of friction, focusing
on ultra-low lubricated friction surfaces
from a scientific point of view, in industryacademia collaboration of researchers andtechnicians.
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Interdisciplinary Development of Low-Friction
Materials and Surface Design Technology
Utilizing best practices and methods in research, e.g. “design”,“measurement”, and “simulation”, we succeeded in developing new
lubricant materials currently considered for commercialization by theparticipating companies. The development in “Oil Lubrication” wasconducted by developing materials which facilitate synthesis of MoS2
from the lubricant additive MoDTC, for “Water Lubricants” we utilized
DLC displaying low wear and low friction, and for “Solid Lubricants”
we created low friction composite resins based on the analysis of
tribochemical reactions by simulation.

Program for Strategic Regional Innovations■ Next-Generation Automobiles in Miyagi Area
2012

9Initiation Conference for Next-Generation Automobiles in Miyagi

12Opening of the Miyagi Reconstruction Park

4

Symposium for the promotion of private-public collaborations for establishment of a regional

2014
		

automobile industry

2015

2

Excursion of disaster stricken areas in Ishinomaki using EV cars

2017

2

Concluding symposium■ Knowledge Based Medical Device Creation in Miyagi Area
2012

7

Investigations of enterprises and health care professionals for the creation of medical devices (24 times total)

11

Kick-off meeting

3

Inspection of medical equipment manufacturing (15 times total)

5

Miyagi School for Creation of Medical Devices (10 “Introduction Courses”, 5 “Elementary Part

2013
		

1”, 4 “Elementary Part 2”, 5 “Elementary Part 3”)

2014

7

Miyagi private-public collaboration fair for creation of medical devices (annual, ~2016.7)

2015

11

“Innovation Skills Necessary for the Medical Welfare Equipment Industry” Lectures

2017

3

Summarizing Session

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Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of the Snow Repelling Coating“Riku Oh”
We analyzed the mechanism of the snow repellent coating “Yuki
Oh” preventing snow accretion in joint research with KF ATTAIN Co.,
Ltd., and succeeded in reducing the drying time from 48 hours to 40
minutes retaining the same performance. Furthermore, developed andcommercialized the roof paint “Riku Oh” based on modifications to“Yuki Oh”.

Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of Automatic Screw Feeder
We supported the friction research of rail material in the screw feeder
developed by Ohtake Root Kogyo Co., Ltd., advancing the design of theapparatus for the stable feed of micro screws, and developed a micro screw
feeder capable of handling screws with diameter smaller than 1mm.

Ultra-Low Core Loss Magnetic Material Technology Area◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Research in Ultra-Low Core Loss Magnetic
Material Technology
In order to reduce energy consumption on a global scale, it isnecessary to improve the efficiency in all areas, power transfer as well
as everyday utilities. Especially motors and transistors using electromagnetic conversion are prone to energy loss, even reaching to 3.4%of the total consumption. Our technology area conducts research anddevelopment for the realization of revolutionary ultra-low core loss
magnetic materials, solving the above mentioned issues and contributing
to the vitalization of the industry in the Tohoku region.

Snow repelling coating “Yuki Oh”
Automatic micro screw feeder◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of the Revolutionary
Nano-Crystalline Soft-Magnetic Alloy“NANOMET ®”To develop extremely low core loss magnetic materials, we createdthe new nano-crystalline alloy “NANOMET®” utilizing the nanocrystallization of special self-assembly nano-heterogeneous amorphous
structures. NANOMET® provides applications for areas demanding
strong magnetic fields, expected to be highly beneficial to large current
transformers for power grids and motors. Adopting the nano-crystalline
materials to transformers or motors will contribute to saving energy
due to the reduced core loss. Cooperating with Panasonic Corporation,
we were able to build a prototype of a motor using NANOMET® andwe further modified the process to develop a prototype of compressors
with similar capabilities as mass produced devices, verifying the energy
efficiency of our products. Compared to motors or compressors using
ordinary magnetic steel (silicon steel), we achieved a ca. 3% higher
efficiency, displaying one of the highest levels in the world.

Rails used in the automatic screw feeder
Roof paint “Riku Oh”◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of SiC Polishing Techniques
Collaborating with TDC Corporation, we contributed to the lowcost production of semiconductors and developed a technique for ultrarapid advanced polishing of large silicon carbide (SiC) substrates as well
as necessary equipment related to the process.

Polishing techniques for various materials with nano-level quality assurance

148

Compatibility ofhigh saturation
magnetic flux
density and ultralow loss rates.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Ultra-Low Friction Technology Seminar andPrivate-Public Collaboration Symposia
In order to help the regional industry to solve the problems relating tofriction, surfaces and interfaces of their products, we cooperated with theIndustry Technology Institute of the Miyagi Prefecture Government,
and held seminars titled “The World of Surface, Interface and Friction
for Creating New Industry” several times a year to answer questions suchas “What is a surface or interface?” or “How does friction technology
work and how can we evaluate?” We also consulted engineers of regional
companies to solve each of their own questions and problems tofacilitate the development of their products. Furthermore, private-public
collaboration symposia on ultra-low friction technology were held topromote friction technologies in the region as well as exchanges between
participating companies, thus advancing the regional economy.

Discussions at the seminars

Posters and panels at the exhibition.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of Nano-Crystalline SoftMagnetic Materials for Significant Energy
Loss Reduction
We were able to develop new nano-crystalline soft-magnetic alloys
with widths of 50mm, 80mm, and finally 120mm, superior to theexisting materials regarding high saturation magnetic flux density andloss of magnetic hysteresis. Magnetic cores (for transformers or motors)
made with these nano-crystalline soft-magnetic alloys have ultra-low
core loss properties, contributing to more efficient power transfers andhome appliances with less energy consumption.

Development process of 120mm wide alloys

149

Project 08

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Tohoku Innovative Materials Technology◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆A Tohoku University Venture“Tohoku Magnet Institute”
On November 5, 2015, we established the “Tohoku Magnet InstituteCorporation” (TMI). The corporation was founded by a fund managed
by Tohoku University Venture Partners Co., Ltd., via the PrivatePublic Innovation Program (MEXT & METI) based on the Industrial
Competitiveness Enhancement Act as well as funding participation (600
million JPY funding capital) of five private companies (Alps Electric,
TOKIN, JFE Steel, Panasonic, and Murata Manufacturing). Based on
the research achievements regarding the revolutionary soft-magnetic
alloy “NANOMET®”,
we further improved
the functionality andperformance, andcontinue to develop andcommercialize nanocrystalline soft-magnetic
alloys with increased
productivity.

Production of FeNi Magnets Completely Freeof Rare Earth Elements
In order to produce high functional magnets, rare earth elements
such as samarium (Sm), neodymium (Nd), or dysprosium (Dy) wereconsidered necessary. However, we succeeded in developing an easy andfast production method for high quality FeNi magnets completely free ofrare earth elements. To secure the predominance of the Japanese industry
based on next-generation energy efficient technology, the development of
new high functional magnets is of utmost importance, and we are proud
to say that our research achievements have contributed to a future solutionof this issue. FeNi Magnets formed in space and contained in verysmall amounts in natural meteorites have been known since the 1960s.
However, this formation was done by ultra-slow cooling (in an extreme
state of equilibrium) and took several billion years and was thought to be
impossible in a short period of time. Our technology utilizes the ultrahigh speed atom transfer of the nano-crystallization process in amorphous
metals, creating an effect similar to a time tunnel, and thus reducing the
production time of high quality materials from several billion years to
300 hours. The research achievements of our group were published in theinternational academic journal “Scientific Reports”.

High Efficiency Rare Elements Extraction Technology Area◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Resource Issues Regarding Rare Metals andRecycling Technology
Rare metals are fantastic materials adding special properties evenwhen used in small amounts for high-tech devices such as hybrid cars
or electric home appliances. These rare metals are essential resources,
but the production is limited only to some countries. Considering the
global demand of those rare elements with respect to the supply by thesmall number of countries possessing these materials as resources, there
exists an issue of insufficient supply and high costs. In order to solve thisproblem, “Element Recycling” technology is an important method in
procuring necessary amounts of rare elements. By efficiently extracting
the rare elements from disposed electronic equipment in “urban mines”
of waste, we were able to develop an effective recovery technology forthe valuable materials.

Announcement press conference of TMI◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆“MEXT’s Minister Award” at the 14th
Commendation of Contributions to PrivatePublic Collaborations (2016)
As result of activities in industry-academia collaborations with leading
national companies of various fields based on university seeds and theresearch and development project “Leading Materials Technology fromTohoku” by MEXT and the Reconstruction Agency, we received the
MEXT’s Minster Award at the 14th Commendation of Contributions
to Private-Public Collaborations.
14th Commendation of Contributions to Private-Public
Collaborations “MEXT’s Minister Award” for “Development andCommercialization of Revolutionary Ultra-High Efficient SoftMagnetic Materials (NANOMET®) in Private-Public Collaboration”
Prof. Akihiro Makino (Institute for Materials Research)
Prof. Junichi Umehara (Institute for Materials Research, visiting)
Prof. Tsuyoshi Nomura (New Industry Creation Hatchery Center,
visiting)◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of “Electrical Pulse Crushing”
Technology
Fe, Ni and L10FeNi crystal structures.

In order to effectively recycle discarded materials, the waste has firstto be crushed into small parts, which are sorted and “compressed” by
objective and type. Electronic circuit cards for example differ fromother waste, since the electrical components are printed on the board,meaning the materials would also be crushed if put through a normal

Selective crushing utilizing electrical pulses.

150

process. Our project developed technology to separate the electricalcomponents from such boards utilizing shock waves from an electricalpulse under water. We also developed a method to visualize and observe
shock waves utilizing this “electrical pulse crushing” under water andexperimenting on a model of the crushing phenomenon. The method
led to a more efficient research of pulse crushing, providing an outlook
for a commercialization schedule.

Examples of crushed electrical circuits by the electrical pulse crushing.

151Project 08

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction

Program for Strategic Regional Innovations◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of LIBS Sorting Technology
Since contained rare elements differ with each part, we needed
technology to sort the separated components. We utilized the Lase
Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis method to analyze

the spectrum of each small parts and organize the sorting process
by determining the necessary elements. The developed LIBS sorting
system technology provides a swift selection and separation process forpractical use.

Next-Generation Automobiles in Miyagi◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆”Development of New Products andSystems at Universities
Private-Public Collaboration for NextGeneration Automobiles”
As key for the recovery and regeneration after the Great East Japan
Earthquake, there are high expectations for next-generation automobiles.
Strategic innovations in this field utilize cutting-edge seeds andtechnology. In order to continuously evolve the automobile industry in

the Tohoku region centered at Miyagi as one accumulation zone, we areaspiring to create a research and development center for next-generation
automobiles by collaboration of ca. 40 research laboratories of Tohoku
University. Cooperating also with local communities, financial
institutions, and companies we will conduct education of humanresources and share necessary equipment for further developments.
We will continue to promote the recovery after the Great East Japan
Earthquake and reinforce the technological capabilities of the region incollaboration with related companies.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Fostering Human Resources to Support
the Future Automobile Industry

Overview of the LIBS sorting system.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of a New Extraction Process
Utilizing Ionic Solutions

Contributions to the E-scrap Recycling
Industry

In order to refine the desired elements contained in the separated
electrical components, we conducted research on chemical extraction
methods and developed several ionic solutions for the targeted separationand extraction of elements of the platinum group and rare earth
elements and tested the efficiency and characteristics of the process.

In order to contribute to fundamental experiments as well as practicalprocesses of the E-scrap industry, we organized various tech-seminars to
support companies and provide necessary methods. We also conductedjoint research on increased recovery rates of rare and precious metals
with disaster stricken companies. Furthermore, we held seminars on
topics such as E-scrap recycling from discarded automobiles or small
electric house appliances, presenting parts of our developed technology
during excursions. We also started projects to establish a recycling
system of rare and valuable metals in Miyagi, in order to create acollection system for the future.

This human resource education program has a “basic phase” withmany participants and an “advanced phase” with only a small numberof participants. During the basic phase, experts from e.g. companies

Laboratory tour presenting research

In order to raise interest and awareness via direct exchange with university
researchers, we organized laboratory tours for affiliates of regional companies
involved in automobile development.

gave lectures, providing a platform for private-public exchange related
to the automobile industry. In the advanced phase, we organizedpractical training tailored to the knowledge, experience, and skills of theindividual participants. Furthermore, we included various activities e.g.
laboratory tours or excursions to local companies.

Excursion to regional companies

We organized 12 excursions (with a total participation of 22 companies) visiting
regional companies, asking employers about their current status and obtaining an
overview of the present situation.

The Tohoku precious metals recycling forum

Summer school

Efficient separation and extraction via ionic solutions.

152

Excursion during the ELV recycling forum.

In order for students to participate
more proactively we held summer
schools as part of the human resource
education program. Presentations andgroup discussions on topics such as
matching university seeds with regional
needs led to a deeper understandingof current projects related to next
generation automobile technology.

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Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Opening of the Miyagi Reconstruction ParkThe “Miyagi Reconstruction Park” established as research center for
facility visits and tours is an innovation creation center accommodating
not only disaster stricken medium and small sized businesses suchas manufacturers, welfare facilities, or service industries, but also
entrepreneurs or university research institutions aspiring to create new
regional industries. We conduct presentations of research outcomes such◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

as small electric cars and share research equipment of the university withthe local communities with many visitors from both local and global
interested parties. (23 related companies)

Utilizing Driving Simulators to Prevent
Driving the Wrong Direction on Expressways
We conducted joint research utilizing driving simulators (DS)in collaboration with MILT’s Sendai Office of Rivers and National

Highways of the Tohoku Regional Development Bureau. The outcomes
have been introduced to the Kahoku interchange of the Sanriku
Expressway as colored pavements and are attracting attention for theefficiency to prevent driving the wrong way on expressways.

▶

▶

Visit by Prime Minister Abe

Before the installation.

Visit by British community executives

Testing on driving simulators.

After the installation◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

International Next Generation Automobile
Symposium

Electric Vehicle◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Visit by the President of Keidanren◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Excursion to Disaster Stricken Areas by EV Cars

Development of Reverse Trike Mobility Vehicles

In order to create resilient communities in disaster stricken areas we
conducted on-site visits and investigations regarding the introductionof electric vehicles (EV) and examples of charging systems introduced
at guesthouses and factories. Observing the current status and practicalutilization of EVs, helping local communities, we were able to assess thesituation and clarify issues as well as objectives four future research.

Reverse Trike Mobility Vehicles are three-wheeled electric bicycles,
having two front and one back wheels, and can be operated in threedifferent ways 1) by pedal, 2) with electric assistance, and 3) using
electricity only. Considering the advanced aging in provincial towns andrural areas, this provides new
ways for mobility of local
residents, also improving
safety by e.g. preventing
turnovers in bends or locking(breaking) mechanisms when
getting off.

Electric vehicles utilized at temporary housings in Mangokuura, Miyagi.

154

Since 2013, we have held an international symposium once a year,
inviting many speakers from Japan and abroad who are involved in nextgeneration automobiles. The speakers came from Europe, the U.S., andAsia, and covered a wide range of topics, including fuel cells, electricvehicles, legal issues, the use of big data, MEMS, and robot technology.

Electric Reverse Trike Mobility Vehicle◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Concluding Symposium
The concluding symposium was held at the Westin Sendai in February
2017, and was attended by many people from industry, academia,
government, and academia who have participated and contributed invarious ways. Lectures were given on Tohoku University's efforts in the
research of next-generation automobiles, and the results over the past
five years were reported.

Participants155

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Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Industry-Academia Collaboration Development Project for Reconstruction

Program for Strategic Regional Innovations
Knowledge Based Medical Device Creation in Miyagi◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Creation of an Internationally Competitive
Industry for Medical Devices
In order to establish a center for the creation of medical equipment,
continuously developing and commercializing advanced technology
as well as accumulate knowledge and expertise, we aspire to found thenecessary basis as fundament for our activities. We conduct research anddevelopment in five areas and already succeeded in the commercializationof eight products in total (4 devices, 1 Printed-Array Strip (PAS) for genesearching, 1 imaging phantom for equipment development, 1 research
reagent, and 1 analysis technology) as well as two venture businesses.
Furthermore, we participate in the establishment of a parts cluster bymedium and small sized manufacturers of the region.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of the “STH-PAS” Gene Search Tool
Although genetic tools for the investigation of various bacteria areconstantly developed, easy and comprehensive examination technology
for practical use has yet to be established. Particularly, developing
countries often have severe issues with infections, but the needs are
not always satisfied due to the high cost of examination infrastructure.
In order to comply, we developed and commercialized the simple andinexpensive gene search tool “STH-PAS” for the swift examination of
infections.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of Automatic Preparation
Device “AccuDisp” for Anti-Cancer Agents
Currently it is recommended that injectable anti-cancer agents areprepared by pharmacists in a sterile environment. However, there arealso many medical institutes where the preparation is conducted bydoctors or nurses in the open space of facilities, risking the chemical
exposure of the drugs. In order to solve the issue, we developed the highfunctional automatic preparation device “AccuDisp” for Anti-Cancer
Agents which fits in existing safety cabinets. The commercialization of
the device does not only prevent chemical exposure but also increases
the precision of the preparation due to automatization, thus increasing
the level of provided medical care.

Five research and development topics.
STH-PAS

AccuDisp◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Various Human Resource Development
Programs in Private-Public Collaboration
We are organizing the “Miyagi School for Creation of Medical
Devices” on a regular basis, promoting the understanding of medical
devices manufacturing and commercialization to management or
technical staff of enterprises which aspire to participate in the market
and had 1005 participants so far. In order to provide necessary knowhow, we have to accurately comprehend the needs of enterprises, why weconducted surveys after each event and constantly modify the program.

Furthermore, we record the seminars and study sessions and make themaccessible to a broader audience online. Additionally, we held medical
engineering seminars to nurture and educate human resources who willlead national progress with abilities to realize innovations in clinicalpractices or medical equipment industries, as well as conducted periodic
excursions and inspections of university medical equipment for affiliates.
We also organized the “Innovation Skills Necessary for the Medical
Welfare Equipment Industry” lectures and discussed the possibilities andresults of “coaching” in advancing medical engineering, having talks andsessions with experienced managers and affiliates.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆Development of the High-Efficient Magnetic
Stimulation Device “PathleaderTM”
By conducting magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves in muscles
paralyzed by injuries or illnesses with high-frequent pulses, it is possible
to induce movement, and thus supporting the rehabilitation of limbs.
However, existing rehabilitation methods used electrodes in directcontact with the skin, inducing pain to the paralyzed patients. We
developed the Magnetic Stimulation Device “PathleaderTM”, utilizing
magnetic stimulation without pain, reaching deeper muscles in the bodywithout direct contact.

PathleaderTM

Private-Public Collaboration Fair of the Knowledge
Based Medical Devices in Miyagi

156

Visiting the manufacturing of steel surgical equipment

Practical training utilizing high functional patient
simulators.

157

Reconstruction Action 100+

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

● Connecting the Promotion of Social Capital to the Regenerationof the Region［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized

Disaster Victim Support

Tohoku University Memberʼs Projects

Reconstruction Action 100+
- Overview● Preventing Panic and False Rumors～ Searching for the suppressive behavior of disaster
Victims［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Health Support for Senior Citizens at Shelters & Provisional Homes,
Prospective Cohort Studies of Daily Life Functionalities at Provisional
Homes in Kesennuma［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］ Finalized● “Disaster Volunteers” Internship Project● Smart Aging On-site College［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］ Finalized● Project: “Hello” from the Porch［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Prevention of Sudden Deaths at Shelters and Provisional Homes
after the Disaster［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Criminal Psychology at Times of Catastrophes［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized

The “Reconstruction Action 100 + (Plus)” is a generalterm describing more than 100 projects emerging fromthe voluntary eﬀorts of Tohoku Universityʼs members tocontribute to the regeneration of the region. It is basedon the sole feeling of each and every one at Tohoku

University: “What can we do to help?” We will continue● Consultation Room for the Soul［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Education of “Interfaith Chaplains” and Social Implementation［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］● Reconstruction Support through Art［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］● Psychological Aid for Members of the Disaster Stricken Region［Graduate School of Education］ Finalized

our endeavors as comprehensive university in the center● Support Room for Disaster Affected Children［Graduate School of Education］

individual professions to support the reconstruction of● Clinical Psychology Consultation［Graduate School of Education］ Finalizedof the disaster stricken area through our strengths in
the community.

● Legal Counsel by Law Students［Graduate School of Law］ Finalized● Provision Disaster Law Consultation Q&A［Graduate School of Law］
● Practical Seminar on Radiation Measurement［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized

Disaster Victim
SupportAssessment
and Analysis
of Damages● The Principle of Catastrophes: Public Lectures［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized

Reconstruction
Actions+

Disaster Risk
Reduction［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Health Survey and Guidance for Disaster Victims［Graduate School of Medicine］● Advancing and Analyzing Oral Health in Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Dentistry］

Infrastructure
MaintenanceIndustrial
Reconstruction● Lectures at Schools for Revival of Learning●Education for Multi-Level Health Promotion of a New Generationin Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Dentistry］

Assessment and Analysis of Damages● Recording Damages and Regeneration of the Great East Japan Earthquake［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Let’s See and Think! International Study Tour at Minami Sanriku to Remember
the Disaster and the Region［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Assessment and Analysis of Disaster Related Cultural Properties［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］ Finalized● Socioeconomic Analysis of the Damages and Reconstruction Process after theGreat East Japan Earthquake［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Detailed Analysis, Evaluation and Estimates of Impacts on Statistical
Analyses in Medical Fields from the Great East Japan Earthquake［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Exhibition of Visions for the Renewal of East Japan［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Active Distribution of the Current Recovery Status after the Disasterfrom the Education & Research Scene［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Regeneration and Minerals, Radioactive Contamination Removaland Minerals［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● International Network for Disaster Status Communication［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Mental Care of Radiation［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized● Status Report on the Great East Japan Earthquake and International
Communication of Geographical Analyses［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Encouragement Project for Children from the Contaminated Area
– Distribution of Education for Practical Radiation Protection● Long Term Monitoring of Environmental Radiation of Disaster
Stricken Areas (Onagawa)［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized● Study toward improved communication and engagement withpublics after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］● Support for Disaster Affected Foreigners［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized● Support Program for Students of Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Life Sciences］ Finalized● Learning Support for School Children［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Finalized● Education Program for the Reconstruction of the Kesennuma Area
［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Contribution to community medicine in Tohoku region［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］

158● Medical Consultation Support via Regeneration of Information
Communication at Shelters and Provisional Homes after theDisaster［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］● Communication of Scientific Intelligence and Need for Information
after the Catastrophe［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Grass-Root Radiation Monitoring: The Miharu Misho Project［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Long Term Monitoring of Environmental Radiation of Disaster
Stricken Areas (Fukushima)［Graduate School of Science］● Radioactivity Measurements of Wild Mushrooms［Graduate School of Science］● Tome Project［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Exposure of Organochlorines and Evaluation of Health Risks for the Next
Generation – Regional Regeneration Project Measuring the Developmentof Feti and Newborns as Indicators［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Support for the Regeneration of Health Administrative Functionalities
in Disaster Stricken Areas–Based on the Video Records of the
Regeneration Process［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized
159

Reconstruction Action 100+

● Analysis of Internal Radiation Exposure through Teeth Examinations– Radiation Dose Evaluation via Lost Milk Teeth of Children
in Fukushima & Miyagi［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Comprehensive Radiation Dose Evaluation through theAnalyses of Teeth［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Radiation Dose Evaluation via the Analyses of Children’s Teethin Fukushima［Graduate School of Dentistry］● Monitoring Radiation & Radioactivity in Atmosphere, Oceans,
Soil and Plants［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized● Radiation Exposure Assessment of Children in Miyagi after the
TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized● Recommendations for the Damage Assessment of Affected
School Facilities and Reconstruction Support, Structural Design
and Earthquake-Resistant Architectures［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Investigative Research Regarding the Storage of Remains
after the Disaster in the Arahama Region of Wakabayashi［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Joint Investigation of the Fishing Ground Environment at the
Miyagi Coast［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Evaluation of the Risk Communication Regarding the Effectsof Radiation［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Investigation of the Dynamics of Radioactive Cesium Contamination in
Grassland and Verification of the Effect of Tillage Decontamination at
Tohoku University’s Kawatabi Field Center［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］● Conditions of Animal Damage in Disaster Areas and Countermeasures［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］● Researching Swift Agreements in Reconstruction Plans:
Changes of Disaster Victim’s Views［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized● Clarifying Conflict Sources of Reconstruction Plans［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

● Measuring Radioactivity of Primary Sector Products, Soil, and Waste● Support of Pharmaceutical Services in Disaster Stricken Areas● Introducing Life Style Design Methods to the Disaster Stricken Area

● Support for Measuring Radiation［Institute for Materials Research］● Support for Damaged (Non-Wooden) Building Reconstruction,
Evaluation Method for Damage Degree and Recoverability● Creation of New Technology Based on the Life Style in the
Disaster Stricken Area［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］ Finalized● Promoting the Observation of Submarine Earthquakes andTectonic Movements［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Sendai School of Design Workshop Series “Redesign Toward
Regeneration”［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Promotion of Health in Shichigahama● Fundamental Research and Core HR Education for Decommissionof Nuclear Reactors, Maintenance of Structural Building Integrity,
and Disposal of Nuclear Waste［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Analysis of the Current Status of the Fukushima Nuclear
Reactor and Recommending Mid- to Long-Term Measures● Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized●Development of Water Treatment Technology via High Functional
Micro Bubbles and Dielectric Barrier Discharge［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］● Resilience of the Urban Recovery System after the Great East
Japan Earthquake and Regional Vulnerability Assessment to
Tsunamis［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● Evaluation of Initial Disaster Response by Minamisanriku
Town Officials after the Great East Japan Earthquake［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● Technology for Decontaminating the Environment［Graduate School of Engineering］●Regeneration Support for Food, Agriculture, and Communities［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized● Archiving the Experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake● Regeneration of the Region & Planning Cities● Radioactive Decontamination Utilizing Polymer Separation
Membranes［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized● Support for the Local Government Regarding the Regenerationof Folklore and Traditional Culture in Disaster Stricken Areas andthe Investigation of Methodology［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］ Finalized● Reconstruction of the Primary Sector［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］ Finalized● Comparing Local Communities Regarding the Regeneration Process andApplying Ethnographic Information［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］ Finalized
Reconstruction Actions● Natural Disasters and Religion［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］● Support of the Dialect Life at Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Support of Food and Environmental Education［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］●Rapeseed Project for Regeneration of Saltwater Damaged Farmland［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Decontamination of Living Organisms［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Reconstruction Education Support (SDGs Education Support)● Miyagi Voices 2016 Publication● Education of Global HR via ICT Projects Contributing to the Disaster
Region (Tohoku University ASIST)［Graduate School of Information Sciences］ Finalized● Dispatching Supporters for the Regeneration of Local Communities● Providing Research & Laboratory Space, Production Facilities,
and Laboratory Equipment for Free［Graduate School of Life Sciences］ Finalized● Recovering Earthquake and Tectonic Activity Observation● Active Analysis and Decontamination of Radioactive
Material in Soil［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Support of Damaged Laboratory Equipment● Development of Earthquake Resistant Materials via Recycling
Tsunami Debris and Creative Regeneration via Artificial Grounds［Graduate School of Economics and Management］［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Data Management Support Promoting Data Utilization in
Disaster Stricken Communities［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Promoting the Miyagi Geopark［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● International Innovation Workshop on Off Shore Tsunami Energy
Dissipation and Peak Height Alleviation［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］ Finalized● Evaluation for Dynamics of Radioactive Cesium in Environment［Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center］● Center for Northeast Asian Studies Disaster Humanities Unit

● Regeneration Support for the Fish Market［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized● Conditions for Connectible Regional Projects Seen in the Regeneration
Plan: Comparing Unlikely and Likely Continuable Projects● Application of Robots to the Great East Japan Earthquake
and Researchi into Disaster Response Technologies［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Technical Support Regarding the Accident at the Nuclear Power Plant● Excavation Projects for Disaster Regeneration● Dust my broom Project［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］［Graduate School of Law］ Finalized［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized● Recommendation and Guidelines for the Disposal and Recyclingof Disaster Debris［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized160● Assessment for Industry Regeneration and Measurement
Equipment Support Utilizing Network Type Joint Research Centers● Rapeseed Project［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］● Creation of tsunami resilience index in areas affected by theGreat East Japan Earthquake［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］● Investigating New Soil & Ground Water Contamination after the
Earthquake & Tsunami［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Institute of Fluid Science］ Finalized● Rebirth of the Coastal Countryside Utilizing Steel Slags●Food Production and Supply Systems to Overcome Misinformation● Risk Evaluation and Technology as Counter Measures of Heavy
Metal Tsunami Debris［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Institute of Fluid Science］ Finalized● Preparations for the Tohoku Agricultural Science Center for
Reconstruction［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Fukushima-Chernobyl Project［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Joint Usage of Cutting Edge Facilities［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Comprehensive Examination of Recovery from the 2011 Great
East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and Urban Safety Induction
Strategies Considering Natural Disaster Risk in the 21 Century● Volunteer Support［Graduate School of Law］ Finalized● Monitoring Environmental Radiation in Soil

● REDEEM: Recurrent Education for the Development of Engineering
Enhanced Medicine［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized● Investigation of New Local Management Methods in the Arahama
Area (Wakabayashi Ward)［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Investigation Regarding Disaster Prevention Function of
Ecosystems［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized● Green Regeneration Project from the Sea and Fields: “Monitoring
Organism Diversity in Disaster Stricken Fields and the Coastal
Ecosystems with Public Participation”［Graduate School of Life Sciences］● Decontamination of Tsunami Debris［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］● Mental Health Support for the Disaster Stricken Area

● “City Building Concept” in Catastrophically Damaged Regions［Graduate School of Information Sciences］［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized● Recommendation and Investigation for the Disposal and Recyclingof Disaster Debris – Toward an International Collaborative Model –［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］ Finalized［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］● Joint Study on Community Revitalization and Creation Process
and Sustainability after the Great East Japan Earthquake［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］ Finalized● Tsunami-Struck Museum Rescue Activities［The Center for Academic Resources and Archives］●Developing Algorithms for Environmental Radiation Measurement［Research Center for Electron Photon Science (ELPH)］

Disaster Risk Reduction● Designing Chemistry Laboratories to Withstand Earthquakes［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Sharing Research Findings Regarding the Generation Mechanism of the2011 Great East Japan Earthquake with Society［Graduate School of Science］● Study on the Practical Implementation of a Social Fundament
Equipped with Multiple Fail Safe Systems［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized161

Reconstruction Action 100+

●Building a Sensor Communication Society for Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Analysis of Demolition Criteria of Damaged Architecture andEstablishment of Highly Reliable, Resilient Design Guidelines［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Mitigating Health Issues in Disaster Affected Homes［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Securing Energy in Emergency Situations Without Power Supply［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Evaluation and Maintenance of Spent Nuclear Fuel Pools at
Fukushima Daiichi［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized●Earthquake Resistance of Inappropriate Steel Frame Constructions
Based on Damage Assessments after the Great East Japan
Earthquake［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Development of Reliable Distributed Energy Supply and Preventive
Tectonic Utilization Systems［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Sendai Arahama
Elementary School［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Yamamoto Old
Nakahama Elementary School［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Exhibition Support and Planning at the Yamashita Community
Center for Disaster Prevention［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Infrastructure Maintenance● Project A, Workshop I, School of Public Policy［Graduate School of Law］ Finalized● Reexamination of Disaster Prevention Legislations［Graduate School of Law］
● Mathematical Models for a Safe and Secure Society［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized●Fundamental Research for the Creation of a Sustainable
Tohoku Region［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● International Networks for the Investigation of Megathrust
Earthquake and Tidal Wave Mechanisms of 1000 Year Periods［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized● Regeneration of Medical Care Functionality and Experience
Distribution in Disaster Stricken Regions［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Regenerative Medical Care Utilizing Muse Cells［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Maternal and Child Health Activities after the Great East
Japan Earthquake – Activity Reports of Health Nurses andFuture Prospects［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Epilepsy Hotline Project［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Tohoku Center Project: Cause of Death Investigation Center［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Exhibition Preparations at the Yamashita Community Center
on Disaster Prevention［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Capacity Expansion of the School of Medicine［Graduate School of Medicine］● Verification of Disaster Information and Support for Digitally
Divided People［Graduate School of Information Sciences］ Finalized● Special Outpatient Services for Epilepsy via TV Conferenceswith Hospitals in Disaster Stricken Areas● Catastrophe and Regeneration Monitoring Based on Video
Records of Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Information Sciences］ Finalized● Recommendations for Plans to Build Resilient Communities［Graduate School of Life Sciences］ Finalized［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Regeneration of Dental Treatment in Disaster Stricken Areas
via Network Establishment［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Survey and Supply for Oral Care Needs of Disaster Stricken
Communities［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Disaster Debris Disposal, Recycle Management, Technology
Recommendations［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］● Dental Supply and Emergency Dental Care for Disaster Recovery● Development of Disaster Prevention Technology● Oral Care for Senior Citizens Requiring Primary Nursing Careand People with Disabilities［Graduate School of Dentistry］● Development of Submarine Geologic Stress Measurement
Methods Related to the Occurrence of Earthquakes● Large Scaled (Forensic) Identification Methods after
Catastrophes ［Graduate School of Dentistry］［Institute of Fluid Science］ Finalized［Institute of Fluid Science］● Determining Total Damages in Tsunami Stricken Areas
via Remote Sensing and Geo-Processing, Monitoring
Regeneration, and Developing Next Generation Tsunami Prediction
Technology［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● Tutorials from Disaster Episodes: A Cognitive PsychologicalApproach［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● “Pocket Notebook and Handbook for Family’s Disaster Resilience(MINNA-NO-BOSAI TECHO)”［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］● Architecture and Urban Design for Disaster Risk Reduction
and Resilience Initiative (Arc-DR3 Initiative)［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］● Landslide monitoring by radar in Kumamoto［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］ Finalized

162［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Integrated design and analysis for sustainable municipalities［Graduate School of Engineering］● Design for resilient energy system with renewable resources
toward decarbonized society［Graduate School of Engineering］● Cross border design and analysis for municipalities toward
decarbonized society［Graduate School of Engineering］● Regionally Autonomous Energy Supply Systems［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized●Highly Reliable, Resilient Information System for Regeneration［Graduate School of Information Sciences］ Finalized● Inspection of Election Management Systems in Disaster
Stricken Areas and Efficiency of Voting［Graduate School of Information Sciences］● Suitable Safety Systems at Nuclear Power Facilities［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］

Finalized● Program for Archives and Publication of 3D Pointcloud
Data of the Great East Japan Earthquake for Tsunami Ruins［The Center for Academic Resources and Archives］

Industrial Reconstruction● Case Study and Investigative Research Project of Regional Innovations［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Status of Constructions after the Disaster Regeneration［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Miyagi Sendai Vegetarian Project［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Promotion of Geothermal Energy and New Energy Visions● Social Innovator HR Education School［Graduate School of Economics and Management］ Finalized● Resilient Zero Emission Communities● New Development of Correct Radiation Measurement Technology
for the Renewal of Japan［Graduate School of Science］ Finalized［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Oil-Free & Wireless Power Supply Systems Combined with
Mega-Solar Power Plants［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized● Concept for Advanced Prophylactic Health Community［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized● The Miyagi Model for Regional Cancer Treatment Resilientto Aging and Disasters［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］ Finalized● Communication of Correct Information regarding Radiation
Effects［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］ Finalized● Development of Spintronics Materials and Fundamental
Device Technology for a Resilient Safe and Secure Society［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized●Development of Fundamental Technology for Highly Functional
Information Storage Devices［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized● Platform Technology of Mesh-typed Regional Network［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized● Development of Reduction Technology for Radioactive Cesium
Transfer to Cultivated Mushrooms［Graduate School of Science］● Industry-Academia Cooperation Center for Molecular Imaging［Graduate School of Medicine］ Finalized● Development and Distribution of Disaster Response Type
Dental Treatment Utilities［Graduate School of Dentistry］ Finalized● Development of Living Resources Utilization for Pharmaceuticals［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized● Private-Public Cooperative Manufacturing Support［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Development of Portable Power Generation Sheets for Emergencies［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Venous Thrombosis of Shelter Residents［Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized● Education and Training for Nuclear Power Safety［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Autonomous High Technology Society Scheme［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized●Inspection and Measurement Supporting Safe and Secure Energy［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● U-Type (urgent) Cooperative Research Projects● Development of Super Compact Power Units for Personal Information
Terminals of the Next Generation［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Regional Self-Medication Support● Self-Distributed Green Iron Manufacture Project Adequate
to Regional Environments● Free Access to Microfabrication Facilities and R&D Support for
Disaster Affected Institutes［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Development of Multilayered Wireless Networks● Disaster Psychology Education and Distribution● Resilient Power Supply System Utilizing Distributed Power andPower Load Equipment Clusters［Graduate School of Engineering］● Investigating Necessary Elements for Regeneration andReconstruction Plans after Wide Devastating Disasters● Telemedicine Service using “Electronic Medical Doctor’s Bag”
for Disaster Medical Care Support［Cyberscience Center］ Finalized● Environmental Energy Project for Tohoku Reconstruction● Development of Dependable Identity Management Systems
for Disaster-tolerant Networks［Cyberscience Center］ Finalized● Recovery Support for Regeneration and Rebirth of Ishinomaki● R&D on a Real Time Tsunami Inundation Forecast Systemutilizing Supercomputers［Cyberscience Center］［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］ Finalized［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Integrated Design and Analysis of a Sustainable Energy System［Graduate School of Engineering］［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］ Finalized● Construction of Resilient Campus Information Infrastructure［Cyberscience Center］● New Industry Creation Concept for Higher Order Industry (Production, IT)
Regeneration［Graduate School of Engineering］● Cooperative Agreement with Miyagi Organization for Industry Promotion regarding
Industry-Academia Cooperation for Regional Regeneration Support［Graduate School of Engineering］● Development of Green Power Integrated Devices with High Efficient Electric
Energy Supply and Energy Saving Electric Systems［Graduate School of Engineering］● Mitigation of Indoor Radiation［Graduate School of Engineering］ Finalized● Study on Depth Distribution of Radioactivity on Artificial Covering
Surfaces and its Effect on Air Dose Rates［Graduate School of Engineering］

163

Reconstruction Action 100+

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

● Emergency Response Research: Development of Measurement
Methods and Pharmacokinetic Analysis regarding Radioactive
Cesium in Livestock［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Development of New Technology for Utilization in Local Industries［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］ Finalized● Let’s Light the Olympic Flame 2020 with Bio Methane!
［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Development of Organization Control Technology for High
Mechanical Vesting of High-Value-Added Iwate Produced
Cobalt Alloy Robots［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Innovation Creation in Tohoku via Industry-Academia Cooperation
Centered at New Nano Cristal Soft Magnetic Materials［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Arahama Project［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］● Hayashi Rice Project［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］● Maintaining Functionality at Local Regeneration Centers

Finalized● Turbine Power Technology Development and Education［Graduate School of Information Sciences］ Finalized● AC/DC Hybrid Grid Homes and Residential Energy Share Model(Smart Village Project)［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Smart Community Possibilities in Higher Ground Transfer of Disaster
Stricken Residential Areas［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Reutilization of Waste Wood and Sludge from the Great East
Japan Earthquake for Earthquake-Proof Artificial Grounds［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Fusion of Soil Separator-Multi Method and Bon Terrain Method
for Tsunami Debris Recycle and Ground Materials Evaluation［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Erosion Resistant Soil Covering Material and Safe Storageof Contaminated Soil Utilizing Tsunami Debris［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● Development of High Functional Soil Covering Materials forConcealing Contaminated Soil Utilizing Tsunami Debris［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized● “Iwate Produced Cobalt Alloy Production Support for Medical Use”
［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Development of Decontamination Methods for Sr and Cs in
Environmental Water as Response to the Nuclear Accident［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Development of Emergency Response Medical Care Technology［Institute of Fluid Science］● Development of Alternative Energy Resources［Institute of Fluid Science］ Finalized● Technology Development for the Practical Implementationof Real Time Image Processing Synthetic Aperture Radar［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized● Fundamental Research Support Program for Renewable
Energy Materials［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］ Finalized● Decontamination Planning and Monitoring Project of the Ministryof Environment［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］ Finalized● R&D of Green Materials for Energy Harvesting and Energy Saving● Development of Disaster and Energy Crisis Resilient Medical Equipment● Development and Design of Earthquake-Resistant Materials Meeting
International Standards［Advanced Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Support for the Raise of Medical Equipment Production in Miyagi● Optimized and Efficient Creation of New Energy via Advanced Fusionof Research Areas［The Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences］ Finalized● Technological Seed Fostering for Practical Implementation and Commercializationof Medical Equipment［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］● Creation of New Disciplines via Cross-Sectoral, Interdisciplinary
Research for Disaster Regeneration and New Industry
Developments［The Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences］ Finalized［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized● Development of a Practical Program for School Coaching
Models in Disaster Stricken Areas［Graduate School of Educational Informatics Research Division］ Finalized● Development of Successor Support Methods for Traditional
Culture in Disaster Stricken Areas Facing Extinction［Graduate School of Educational Informatics Research Division］ Finalized● Development of High Functional Equipment and Radioactive
Samples as Response to the Nuclear Accident［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Development of Safe and Secure High-Temperature SteamOxidation Resistant Materials for Nuclear Reactors［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Control and Analysis of Elements in Advanced Steel［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized

164

Dumplings with Mum and Dad”

Flower arrangement class at provisional
homesfrom Educational Aspects”

Support at provisional homes● Super Computation of Flotsam Mixed Tsunamis［Institute of Fluid Science］● Development of an Ultra Early Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment System［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ Finalized

Symposium “Regeneration Support

Project: “Hello” from the Porch● Element Strategy in Design of Advanced Steel● Continuous Workshops on the Great East Japan Earthquake［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］ FinalizedSpecial summer holiday event “Cooking［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］［Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized● Creation of Sources for Future Life

［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］ Finalized

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, many “provisional”
communities emerged, disregarding previous local community
structures or relationships. This new environment often led to a
disconnect to the surroundings with less communication and evenlonely deaths of senior citizens at provisional homes. We had thedesire to provide a place – a porch – for residents to be able to share
their thoughts, communicate and start conversations with others, inorder to prevent further tragedies and visited provisional homes inseveral new communities on a regular basis.

support of children and residents while losing family members andhomes themselves. This project was aimed to support academic andadministrative staff via mental health care and counseling services
immediately after the disaster. Through the psychological support
for university members, the environment of the children and people
involved improved as well, leading to more enriched mental healthcare of the affected children. Several years after the disaster, thepsychological aid was continued according to the needs at the old or
respectively new homes of the disaster victims. Furthermore, issues
regarding children or families were resolved by direct visits and the mid
to long term recovery and regeneration of the region was approachedfrom a psychological perspective via the mental support of theresidents, also increasing awareness through workshops and symposia.

Disaster Victim Support［International Research Institute of Disaster Science］［Advanced Institute for Materials Research］ Finalized

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］

Education of “Interfaith Chaplains”
and Social Implementation
Due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people lost their
loved ones or experienced similar forms of loss. In this program,we aimed for the spiritual care of disaster victims by collaboratingwith local priests, medical personnel and researchers involved in the“Counsel Room for the Heart” project. We established special endowed
course for Practical Religious Studies within the Graduate School ofArts and Letters to educate “chaplains” who would not be involved in
missionary work but take care of the psychological state of families wholost their loved ones and be involved in memorial services. Until 2020
we helped more than 200 chaplains to graduate who are now active
in hospitals and communities of the region. Many university institutes
followed our model, establishing an association for chaplains and thus
expanding the community to help people in need.

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Education］

Support Room for Disaster Affected Children
In this project, we aim for long term mental health care and supportof children who lost their parents due to the Great East Japan
Earthquake. (Finalized March 31, 2021)- Free phone counseling- Individual counseling of children and guardians- Family Salon- Learning support for orphans (Tohoku University students as lectureres)- Dispatching psychiatrists to disaster affected communities- Supporting the recovery supporters- Archiving and communicating all efforts and activities- Establishing a mental health care support network with other communities- Symposia and internships for people who interact with children- Constructing a database regarding the mental state and support ofdisaster affected children- Communication of necessary information regarding support activities- Advice for disaster studies● Advanced Interdisciplinary Research via Cross-Sectoral,
Interdisciplinary Research for Disaster Regeneration and New Industry
Developments［The Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences］ Finalized● “Mg-Soleil Saving the World” (Key for Abandoning Nuclear
Power) (New Industry Creation Hatchery Center［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］ Finalized● Development of Collection System for Contaminated Waste
Materials at Nuclear Power Plants［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］● Establishment of an “International Center for the Creation and
Implementation of Mobility Innovation ”［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］

Group work at interfaith chaplain
training

Disaster Victim Support

Memorial services organized during thetraining course for chaplains (Watanoha

Study group

Matsubara seawall, Ishinomaki, Miyagi)［Graduate School of Education］

Psychological Aid for Members of the Disaster
Stricken Region
At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, many local
officials and staff from the disaster stricken regions engaged in the

Conference Presentation

Lectures165

Reconstruction Action 100+

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Law］

Legal Counsel by Law Students
As time goes by after the 3.11 Disaster, there is an increasing amountof legal troubles related to the earthquake. At Tohoku University’s Free
Legal Counseling Center run by students of the School of Law, law
students specialized on legal problems related to the catastrophe visited
disaster stricken areas and organized on-site legal counseling services.

On-site counseling (Hanamaki)

Disaster Victim Support

Counseling training (to prepare for onsite cases)［Graduate School of Science］

The Principle of Catastrophes: Public Lectures
After the public lecture “The 3.11 Earthquake and Dispersion of Radioactive
Materials” organized by the Graduate School of Science, we got many inquiries
to keep informing the public. We organized several symposia and Science
Cafés, explaining the mechanism of earthquakes and tsunamis, analyzing
the dispersion of radioactive materials from a specialist’s point of view to the
public. Our main aim was to help
people understand the scientificr e a s onin g o f t he s i t ua t i on
and take away the fear of theunknown, thus helping citizens togather correct information andknowledge as well as support
Science Café “The 3.11 Earthquake andthe recovery and regeneration
Dispersion of Radioactive Materials”
of the affected communities.

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Medicine］

Health Survey and Guidance for Disaster Victims
During the course of this project, we organized medical checkups andsurveys of disaster victims in Miyagi and provided individual guidance
based on the results. As necessary,
we also collaborated with mental
health care teams, provided guidance
regarding exercises and nutrition,and consulted with communities toprevent nursing-care. Furthermore,
we assessed the situation in
Health assessment of disasterdisaster stricken communities
victims (Ajishima)and recommended necessary
measurements for the recovery of
hygiene and sanitation of the region,maternal and child health, andprevention of infectious diseases, aswell as archived the recovery processof related health care systems.
Exercise class (Oshika Area)

166

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Dentistry］

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］

Advancing and Analyzing Oral Health in Disaster
Stricken Areas

Connecting the Promotion of Social Capital to
the Regeneration of the Region

The Graduate School of Dentistry applied the latest research
results to community dental health and contributed to a world-leading
community oral health promotion system, as well as develop humanresources through research, education, and social contribution. Afterthe Great East Japan Earthquake, we got several reports, that thehealth of children in the coastal regions was worsening and needed
urgent attention as well as detailed analyses to prevent infections ona daily basis. Our Graduate School collaborated with communities of
the coastal region (Watari) in
Miyagi, organized on-site dental
health checkups at elementaryand middle schools to automate
data collection, and establisheda database for the prevention oforal diseases. We also developed
learning material for oral healthcare activities at schools andcontributed to the prevention oforal diseases of children in the On-site dental health class at an elementary
school in Watari, Miyagi.
disaster stricken region.

A program to improve team medicine through coaching was
implemented for 57 managers and 285 collaborators of the Tohoku
University Hospital for three years starting in fall 2011 (funded by
MEXT’s "Establishment of a Human Resource Development System
for University Hospital Staff to Promote Team Medicine"). This wasconceived with the intention of promoting resilience, based on the
results of a similar program conducted in the previous year (Journalof Healthcare Quality and Safety 2016; 11: 39-45), which showedthat communication taken by leaders is related to organizational
vitality and medical safety, as well as
the participants' experience of using
coaching to make their organizations
function during the earthquake.
This course was conceived with theintention of promoting resilience. The
data revealed that organizations whereparticipants could make suggestions
and requests to improve had a bettermedical safety culture.（Jpn J Compr
Rehabil Sci 2017; 8: 88-97） Thisinitiative is a pioneering example ofthe full-scale introduction of such aThis project's activities weresystem into a medical organization andfeatured in the Chunichi Shimbun
its results.

Disaster Victim Support［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］

Encouragement Project for Children from theContaminated Area – Distribution of Education
for Practical Radiation Protection
In disaster stricken areas affected by the nuclear power plant
accident, evacuated children were rumored to have “contracted
radioactivity” and bullied due to the ignorance and misinformationof others. In this project, we aimed to correctly educate the publicregarding practical radiation protective measures, decrease
unnecessary exposure as well as encourage children and adults intheir environment to act appropriately. We established a curriculum
for the teaching and learning of correct knowledge and distributed
it to appropriate personal at elementary and middle schools such as
science teachers, organized workshops and science classes as wellas on-site lectures for families.

Distribution of correct knowledge
regarding protective measures against

in July 2012.

Disaster Victim Support［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］

Health Support for Senior Citizens at Shelters &Provisional Homes, Prospective Cohort Studies of Daily
Life Functionalities at Provisional Homes in Kesennuma
In order to ensure the well-being of senior citizens as well as thereconstruction of a new environment, we have to 1) promote theindependence of senior citizens so they do not consider themselves asburden to the recovery, and 2) not abandon and sacrifice them during
the progress of regeneration. Therefore, support for senior citizens isa necessary requirement, though excessive support and services havethe negative effect to take any opportunity of independence away fromthem. During the process of migration from evacuation shelters toprovisional homes and finally public restoration housing, many seniorcitizens developed severe health issues, such as physical weakness(frail), malnutrition, pneumonia, dementia, alcohol dependence, anddepression. To counteract these problem, we started the “Prospective
Cohort Studies of Daily Life Functionalities” project in 2012.

Disaster Victim Support［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］

Smart Aging On-site College
We visited community centers in disaster affected areas of
Ishinomaki, Kesennuma, and Watari, and introduced easy-to-understandfamiliar science such as "Whathealthy aging is" and "Knowhow for enjoying your aging",
i.e. Smart Aging, as a seriesof on-site lectures. Having
tea and sweets, the audienceenjoyed some outcomes of
On-site College (Ohya, Kesennnuma)
recent scientific investigations
regarding aging. We believethat we were able to increase
the audience’s interest
regarding their own healthand raise the motivation for
intellectual curiosity as well as
On-site College (Omose, Kesennnuma)
promoting their health.

Disaster Victim Support［Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer］

Medical Consultation Support via Regenerationof Information Communication at Shelters andProvisional Homes after the Disaster
The post-disaster venous thromboembolism (VTE) became
noteworthy with the deaths due to pulmonary embolism (PE) related
to sleeping in a car during the Niigata-Chuetsu Earthquake, and thehigh incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in evacuation centers
has been reported in the subsequent Noto Peninsula Earthquake in2007, the Niigata-Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake in 2007, and the IwateMiyagi Nairiku Earthquake in 2008. Since the Great East Japan
Earthquake, we have been conducting DVT screening tests using
a portable ultrasound device at evacuation centers and temporary
housing facilities in Miyagi Prefecture as part of a campaign toprevent venous thrombosis, and have also been conducting research
to provide information via the Internet. We have been analyzing
how evacuees with DVT were followed during their evacuation, andreleased the results, which has been adopted as a joint guidelineof the Japanese Circulation Society, the Japanese Society ofHypertension, and the Japanese Society of Cardiology.

Radiation measuring at homes andcorrect evaluation of values (Iidate)Ruins in the coastal region of Kesennuma

after the tsunami with the destroyed

retirement home in the back.

Health counseling at public restoration
housings.

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［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］

Let’s See and Think! International Study Tourat Minami Sanriku to Remember the Disasterand the Region
In order to keep the memory and record experiences of the Great
East Japan Earthquake, we organized investigative visits to theregions in Minami Sanriku, Miyagi, which were totally destroyed by
the tsunami with the participation of students from the Kanto area. In
particular, we photographed the scenery of the town after the tsunami,
talked about the destruction at the time of the earthquake, and alsoorganized volunteer services for provisional homes. More than half ofthe participants came from abroad, who would be able to report what
they have seen with their own eyes once they returned to their country,
thus communicating firsthand information on a global scale. This was
also an important opportunity for young students to be involved in therecovery process and to think about their own role in the regenerationof the region, forming the shapes for the next generation. We hopethat the participants of the investigative study tours will be the next
“Storytellers”, communicating their experience to their communities.

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Radiation Dose Evaluation by Analysis of Milk
Teeth from Children in Fukushima
We have collected more than 7,000 milk teeth from children in the
Fukushima and reference prefectures. We can estimate the internal
exposure to radiation by measuring the radioactivity and radionuclides
in these teeth. In addition, the electron spin resonance method canalso estimate the external exposure to radiation by quantifying thecarbonic radicals that are generated in the teeth after radiation
exposure. Hence, this project represents a new approach to estimate
individual exposure to radiation after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant accident through tooth dosimetry, thereby expanding
reconstruction research methodologies into disaster science anddisaster risk reduction science.

Collection of milk teeth

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Lunch at a provisional store in Minami
Sanriku.

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Discussions in the bus.

［Graduate School of Science］

Grass-Root Radiation Monitoring: The Miharu
Misho Project
The Miharu Misho Project was initiated by volunteers from the townof Miharu and Tohoku University to monitor radiation levels of grassroots. Since July 11th, 2011, we
continued to provide radiation
monitoring to elementary andmiddle schools. 2019 was the
final year of the original goal ofnine years (the period when newelementary school students whoentered school immediately after
the earthquake will complete
their compulsory education),and our activities as a town havecome to an end. In 2020, we arepreparing to compile a recordof our activities to date and the
town's response immediately
after the disaster for permanent Miharu Misho Project
display in the town's facilities.

［Graduate School of Dentistry］

Radiation dose evaluation by teeth analysis［Graduate School of Information Sciences］

Application of Robots to the Great East Japan
Earthquake and Research into Disaster
Response Technologies
Disaster robotics was developed to support emergency response,
recovery and prevent disasters. The unmanned ground vehicle ‘Quince’contributed to the cool shutdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant by investigating the upper floor of nuclear buildings in 2011
as the first robot of its kind manufactured in Japan. The serpentine
robot ‘Active Scope Camera’ was used for inspection of confined spacesof Fukushima Daiichi in 2016-17. We also developed an aerial vehicle
with a rotating spherical shell for inspection of damaged infrastructure
and buildings which is being tested at bridges nationwide by MLIT andCAO SIP Programs for the future procurement. CAO ImPACT Tough
Robotics Challenge, which is organized by the research group, performs
R&D of the ‘Active Scope Camera’and ‘Cyber Rescue Canine’ incollaboration with the Japan
Rescue Dog Association, providing
information such as position andsituation reports about the people
in need of help to support search
Disaster ground rescue robot “Quince”
and rescue.

［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］

Radiation Exposure Assessment of Children
in Miyagi after the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Disaster
After the nuclear power plant accident at TEPCO’s Fukushima
Daiichi Reactor, highly radioactive particles of the similar level toFukushima settled in the southern parts of Miyagi. However, sincecontamination and radiation monitoring by the government was only
limited to the prefecture of Fukushima and Miyagi was excepted,
families with children in fear of contamination raised the demand forcontinuous monitoring of radiation exposure.
Upon requests from communities close to the prefecture of
Fukushima which were affected most, we conducted individual
radiation exposure monitoring via small size badges for children
in Marumori, Kakuda, and Ohgawara in collaboration with local
authorities. The measurement results were provided to the guardiansof the children and also discussed with the community and otherresidents. A scientific overview and detailed report was given in theacademic journal RADIOISOTOPES (2015, 2017).

Individual radiation exposure monitoring in the
Kosugou area of Shiroishi, Miyagi.

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Assessment and Analysis of Damages

local residents, the regeneration and recovery of the natural habitat
and functionality supporting the biodiversity, and the promotion of theenvironmental literacy of the residents, providing real-time scientificresults to the communities.

Biological research with local children.

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Cyber rescue dog［Graduate School of Life Sciences］

Green Regeneration Project from the Sea andFields: “Monitoring Organism Diversity in Disaster
Stricken Fields and the Coastal Ecosystems with
Public Participation”
By conducting biodiversity monitoring of coastal ecosystems
along the tsunami-affected Tohoku coast, we aim to: (1) understandthe magnitude of disturbance to these ecosystems caused by theGreat East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami; (2) detect conditions
that promote recovery of disturbed ecosystems and anthropogenic
factors that inhibit recovery; (3) provide information on ecosystem
functions and biodiversity needed to promote better land use
and projects for recovery; and (4) create a pathway for local
communities to take advantage
of ecosystem functions andservices. We also organized a 10
year commemoration symposium
win collaboration with our partner
associations in March 2021.
Tohoku University played acentral role in the participation of Guidance by community investigators

paddy fields of Sendai.

［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Monitoring Environmental Radiation in Soil
After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident,
radioactive materials released in the environment also fell on farmlandin Miyagi, causing concerns about contamination of crops. To alleviate
this c onc ern, w e c onduc t ed
quantitative analysis of radioactive
cesium in agricultural products
and soil in Miyagi, using a gamma
counter, Wizard-2480, loaned tous free of charge by PerkinElmer
Japan. The results were madepublicly available on the websites Radioactive Cesium Measurement witha gamma counter.
of JA Sendai and Ai Coop Miyagi.

Assessment and Analysis of Damages

Serpentine robot “Active Scope Camera”

Investigation of the biodiversity in［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Risk Evaluation and Technology as Counter
Measures of Heavy Metal Tsunami Debris
This study aims to clarify how far historical tsunami deposits,
especially muddy tsunami deposits, have been inundated on land, andto obtain more detailed information about tsunami inundation risks. As aresult, it is possible to evaluate more quantitatively the inundation areaof historical tsunami deposits in the Sendai Plain and East Matsushima.
In the course of this research, we found outcrops preserving tsunami
deposits from about 6,000 years ago in the overseas terraces of Noda
Village, Iwate. By comparing the chemical composition of the tsunami
sediments from the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and thehistorical tsunami sediments in the
Sendai Plain and applying machinelearning, we discovered that theoverseas terraces in Noda Village arealmost exclusively composed of pasttsunami sediments. This area wasfound to be an extremely valuable
outcrop that can reveal the details of
Coastal terraces in Noda Village, Iwate,
the tsunami-affected area caused byconsisting almost entirely of tsunami
major earthquakes originating fromsediments. (The lower part is covered
both the Kuril Trench and the Japan
with sediments from the Jogan tsunami
Trench. Reconstruction research is (869), and the surface is covered withbeing expanded into disaster science tsunami sediments from the Great Eastand disaster risk reduction science.
Japan Earthquake in 2011.)

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［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］

Support for the Local Government Regarding
the Regeneration of Folklore and Traditional
Culture in Disaster Stricken Areas and theInvestigation of Methodology
In January 2021, Shinsensha published "Disaster Documentary: On
Sharing Memories and Records of the Great East Japan Earthquake"(Sakura Koretsune and Hiroki Takakura, eds.) as a collection of
study records by the Disaster Humanities Study Group of the Center
for Northeast Asian Studies from 2018 to 2019. Since the Great
East Japan Earthquake, Tohoku University's experts in humanities
and sciences have been conducting practical research on disasterrecovery and disaster risk reduction in a multitude of ways. Eachtime, a documentary film related to the Great East Japan Earthquake
is screened, and a discussion between the film's director and otherfilmmakers and researchers in fields related to the content is held. It
is a record of the memories and experiences to utilize findings fromdisaster risk reduction of local communities through film and video
for both the communication of these memories and records as well as
the prevention of disasters in the future.

Reconstruction Actions［Graduate School of Arts and Letters］

Support of the Dialect Life at Disaster Stricken Areas
There are many people who lost their homes and had to move fromtheir familiar surroundings to new communities due to the destructionof the earthquake. A local dialect is not only just a regional language
but also a way of life and a statement to belong to a community,
displaying regional identity, and thus a symbol for the “home of thesoul”. Since these rare dialects are more and more dissipating, weorganized investigations to record and archive dialects of the disaster
stricken areas, reported via pamphlets and workshops as well asactively communicated the dialect of the people from destroyed areas
and related results to the next generation.

Reconstruction Actions

from disaster areas.

Reconstruction Actions

Introduction to the Kesennuma
dialect for supporters.

［Graduate School of Economics and Management］

Food Production and Supply Systems to Overcome
Misinformation“Disaster Documentary: On Sharing

East Japan Earthquake”

Immediately after the disaster, we have been conducting researchon the relationship between the distribution of agricultural products
and harmful rumors in Fukushima Prefecture in collaboration with the
Graduate School of Science. In 2018, we organized the "Study Groupon Recovery and Reconstruction Policies for Areas Affected by Nuclear
Power Plants" with a grant from the Keiwakai Memorial Foundation,
and at the end of the fiscal year, we held a symposium on "Recoveryof Agriculture and Fisheries Industries after the Great East Japan
Earthquake and Export Strategies. Results of our research will be
released in 2021 to the general public.
The purpose of the workshop/symposium: In the areas affected by
the Great East Japan Earthquake, there were concerns about the futureof the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries, as well as the fishprocessing industry, even before the disaster struck, but solutions andReports and discussions at the symposium.

170

Flyer

［Graduate School of Engineering］(all four areas of Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate) and conducted onsite surveys of disaster waste disposal sites (including the status ofgeneration, ascertaining composition, measuring radiation levels, andtaking photographs). It was revealed that complex factors hindered
the rapid disposal of earthquake waste, such as confusion in thepolicy-making process due to extensive damages, the lack of smooth
information communication and exchange of opinions between thenational government and affected municipalities, and the necessity fordecontamination. There were also discussions regarding the priorities
and policies for accepting international assistance from abroad. These
research results and policy recommendations were widely publicizedat the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (poster
presentation), the 4th Asian Automotive Environment Forum (keynote
speech), the Graduate School of International Cultural Studies public
lectures, presentations at the Waste Planning Section of the Japan
Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management, conference
presentations at the Japan Macro-Engineers Society ("Outstanding
Presentation Award"), and "The Journal of Japan Waste Management
Association (Invited Paper)".

Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center

Conversation record of the dialect

Memories and Records of the Great

actions to address these issues
were often postponed. Additionally,
due to the nuclear accident at the
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plant, farmland and sea areas in
Fukushima’s Hamadori and otherareas have been contaminatedby radiation. Joint research was
conducted on issues related to
the recovery of agriculture andfisheries industries, focusing on
the export of agricultural products
and management innovation in thefisheries processing industry, andthe symposium provided important
information and discussions.

In 2016, Sendai City opened the Sendai 3.11 Memorial Exchange
Center in Arai Station, the closest station to the sea on the Sendai
Subway, as a memorial center for the coastal areas affected by theGreat East Japan Earthquake. It is a place to learn about the Great
East Japan Earthquake, and as a gateway to the coastal areas ofeastern Sendai which were severely damaged by the tsunami, it is a
center for communicating wisdom and lessons as well as connecting
them to the future. In addition to permanent information displays
such as three-dimensional maps and timelines, the center also has
a variety of special exhibitions that delve into the damages causedby the earthquake and tsunami, the nature of reconstruction, and thelives of people in the affected areas in the past.

L i f e b e f o r e t h e d i s a s t e r, c h a o s

Directly connected to the subwayof reconstruction.

to visit the coastal areas.

immediately after and the current state

Reconstruction Actions

station concourse, it will be a gateway［Graduate School of International Cultural

Reconstruction Actions［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］

Dust my broom Project
Although we can observe a steady progress of recovery andregeneration of the disaster stricken areas, there are also regions,in which the reconstruction is stagnating, where people leave thecommunities, or rapid aging of the community occurs, i.e. sociallyvulnerable people are not considered as they should be. In thisproject, we aimed to communicate correct information to the public
via reports and exhibitions about appropriate measures for the
disposal of earthquake and tsunami debris, organization of talkshows, and hosting of special lectures. Furthermore, we organizedregular on-site inspections of disaster stricken areas in Fukushima,
Miyagi, and Iwate to be able to report about the recovery progress on
our web page. We also organized the soap bubble event “Memorial
Reverse” in the severely damaged coastal region of Yamada in Iwate
2016 as well as distributed about 300 neck warmers made fromrecycled PET bottles at Nishikigaoka Elementary School in Sendai
and Nakai Elementary School in Kesennuma 2017.

Recommendation and Investigation for the
Disposal and Recycling of Disaster Debris –Toward an International Collaborative Model –Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, this project was
implemented with the President's Budget, with the main objectiveof accurately assessing the situation of disaster waste disposal ineach affected municipality and making policy recommendations forthe proper disposal and recycling of waste. While ascertaining thestatus of disaster waste generation in affected municipalities, we
conducted interviews with people in charge of disaster waste disposal

On-site classes.

Soap bubble event

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［Graduate School of International Cultural Studies］

Reconstruction Education Support（SDGs Education Support）
With MEXT’s support, we organized on-site class lectures “Waste
Disposal and Recycling” for fourth graders at elementary schools in
Miyagi. Analyzing contents of textbooks, we discussed the information
to be provided during the classes, compensating already provided
knowledge and contributing to the “Education of Recovery” via theinformation in these classes. We also prepared learning material
with three focuses “Reuse”, “International Resources Recycling”,
and “Promotion of Environmental Education” and distributed it to thechildren and teaching staff at the schools. Furthermore, we recorded
the classes on DVD and created a project report to distribute torelated organizations and concerned parties both locally and globally.
Finally, we published and distributed “Special Textbook” focusing
on environmental issues and international relations for elementary
schools in Miyagi in 2017.

Reconstruction Actions

Reconstruction Actions［Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials］

Rebirth of the Coastal Countryside Utilizing
Steel Slags
The Pacific coastal region centered around Miyagi was heavily
damaged by salt from the tsunami, flooding a wide area of more than
20000ha. However, we proposed steel “slags”, which are byproducts
resulting in large amounts from the production of industrial steel,as recycling material to improve the conditions of the region. In
collaboration with the Graduate School of Agriculture, local authorities
of Miyagi, and Yamgata University, wetested our proposed method with rice,soy beans, and cucumbers, and applied
the procedure to disaster stricken
regions after obtaining favorable results.

［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Reconstruction Actions［Center for Northeast Asian Studies］

Excavation Projects for Disaster Regeneration
We established new methods to visualize underground structuresor other buried objects by utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
In the process of relocating
settlements to safer areas after
the Great East Japan Earthquake,many archaeological surveys
have been conducted.GPR isa non-destructive exploration
method, that provides not only afast verdict about an excavation Inside Zuiganji, Matsushima, intruded
site but also details about the by the tsunami.
state of the remains, enabling avery effective investigation. We
aim to contribute to the recovery
process by providing necessary
technology and knowledge tolocal communities for effective
investigations.
Search for tsunami victims in

Decontamination of Tsunami Debris
The tsunami sediments generated by the Great East Japan
Earthquake contained small amounts of toxic elements such
as As and Cd, and in some of the affected areas exceeded soil
environmental standards. In order to remove toxic elements fromtsunami sediments, we collaborated with Tohoku Gakuin University
and Fujita Corporation and studied methods to clean soil by planting
plants that accumulate toxic elements in contaminated areas. In
addition to basic tests, we conducted field-level purification tests infarmland in Kesennuma, Shichigahama, Sendai, and other areas, andpublished the results of our findings in academic papers.

Growth of arsenic hyperaccumulator plant (Pteris vittata) in Shichigahama

Disaster Risk Reduction

Designing Chemistry Laboratories to Withstand
Earthquakes
The chemical research laboratories of Tohoku University wereseverely damaged due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. In orderto prepare to similar catastrophes in the future, we organized a
symposium to discuss the necessary measures and required designof a chemical research laboratory as well as the future of laboratories
with local researchers and experts in disaster prevention to gain acommon understanding and be able to take appropriate measures.

Symposium on Disaster Prevention and Recoveryof Japan.

Ishinomaki.
Steel slags after processing.

Slag application to paddy fields

Disaster Risk Reduction
Reconstruction Actions

Reconstruction Actions［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］

International Innovation Workshop on Off Shore
Tsunami Energy Dissipation and Peak Height
Alleviation
In this project, we aim to find proactive means to dissipate thetsunami energy off shore, rather than just protect against it at thecoastal line, and pioneer in the development of countermeasures
to alleviate the peak height as well as tsunami energy. By thesecountermeasures, we can increase the efficiency of current dikes
along the coastal line, eliminate tsunami disasters, and promote thesafe everyday life of local communities as well as contribute to thesafety and reinforcement thereof regarding the facilities of nuclear
power plants. We also organize biannual international workshops, thefirst being held in Sendai, and France several times thereafter. Eachworkshop was set a main topic, we summarized the recommendedsuggestions and developed an action plan to clarify the tasks andstructures to advance necessary research in the following five years
as well as developed a concept for research promotion in privatepublic collaboration.

(October 2012).

［The Center for Academic Resources and Archives］

Tsunami-Struck Museum Rescue Activities
We organized multiple rescue missions to collect and recoverimportant specimens and archaeological resources from several
museums in Miyagi damaged by the tsunami. The damaged material
is temporarily archived at the Tohoku University Museum and will
be returned to the individual museums once reconstruction iscompleted. We started this rescue project about one month after
the Great East Japan Earthquake and had the opportunity to reportto Prince Akishino when he visited Tohoku University in July 2011
with his wife. Furthermore, we organized field trips for elementary
schools and continuously support the recovery of natural monuments.
The museum’s collection does
not only feature scientificallyvaluable specimens but are also
a property and heritage of thehistory of local communities.
We are determined to protect
and pass this evidence to thenext generation and support the
Rescue activities at damaged museums
recovery of as many museums as(fossil rescue).
possible.

Second Tsunami Workshop.

［Graduate School of Engineering］

Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake:
Yamamoto Old Nakahama Elementary School
The town of Yamamoto, located in the southernmost part of thecoastal area of Miyagi, has preserved the Nakahama Elementary
School as a legacy of the earthquake open to the public. With thetsunami approaching, 90 students and teachers evacuated to the roofof the building, as it was deemed impossible to move inland to theevacuation site. Fortunately, they narrowly escaped the tsunami, andafter spending a freezing night in a storage room in the attic, they
were all rescued the next morning.
By enacting special regulations and designating the site as an
Earthquake Disaster Cultural Property, the school building waspreserved with as almost all traces of the destruction caused by thetsunami remaining, allowing the public to see the interior spacesin their original state. Not only the exhibition plan, but also theintroductory video, information booklet, and sundial monument were
designed based on a consistent concept, using the school itself as ateaching ground to provide a place where each visitor can think about
how to prepare for future disasters.

School ground and momument

Showing the power of a tsunami

Third Tsunami Workshop.
Specimens from the Ichthyosaur

Museum (Minami Sanriku, Miyagi)

172［Graduate School of Science］

Exhibition at Sendai City Science
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［Graduate School of Information Sciences］

Infrastructure Maintenance［Graduate School of Science］

Verification of Disaster Information and Support
for Digitally Divided People

International Networks for the Investigation of Megathrust
Earthquake and Tidal Wave Mechanisms of 1000 Year Periods

Despite the seemingly well-developed information and communication
infrastructure such as the Internet and cell phones, the Great East Japan
Earthquake exposed a variety of inadequacies, such as the inability toconvey necessary information, the inability to use it in emergencies, thecontinuous transmission of false information, as well as false and harmful
rumors. Additionally, there are many people who do not have or are deprivedof the means to communicate, because they cannot use a PC even if
they have one, are not familiar with the internet, or do not have an online
environment. This project is an attempt to investigate the actual situation,
including the way the media disseminates information, to examine thecauses and reasons for inadequacies, and to build an effective system thatwill facilitate the rapid and smooth communication of necessary information.
As part of these efforts, we also held ongoing workshops on the use of ICT
equipment to support NPO activities in disaster stricken areas, information
dissemination from temporary housing, and community buildings.

We have been organizing tours to disaster stricken areas when foreign
researchers and students in the natural sciences visit Tohoku University.
The tours were more like a "storytelling" excursion, where the threat oftsunami damage, the disaster situation, and the recovery process werepassed on from the perspective of a natural scientist. For the past ten
years, we have conducted "storytelling" tours for participants of theInternational Ocean Drilling Project Conference and the International
Symposium on Water Dynamics, researchers from Pennsylvania State
University, University of Copenhagen, graduate students from California
Institute of Technology and Aachen University, as well as international
students attending Tohoku University Summer Program, and communicatedour experience and knowledge to the international community. In total
about 200 international visitors participated in the tours.

To ur o f di s a s t e r - s t r i c k e n a r e a s in

Okumatsushima during the visit of 23
Blog from a participant at temporary
housings.

PC learning seminar

graduate students from Aachen University.

Infrastructure MaintenanceDisaster Risk Reduction［Institute of Fluid Science］

Development of Submarine Geologic StressMeasurement Methods Related to the Occurrenceof Earthquakes
The tsunami, that greatly damaged the region after the Great East
Japan Earthquake, was caused by the uplift of the upper oceanic crustalong a fault line against the lower oceanic plate. It is also known thatthe stress of rock mass was greatly relieved near the fault by the slip.
Therefore, if we can measure the rock stress near submarine faults inadvance, we can evaluate the criticality of fault slip and the resulting
tsunami. Additionally, if we can determine the urgency of tsunami
occurrence, it will greatly contribute to reducing the risk of futuredisasters. In collaboration with our partner companies, we are developing
a new method to measure rock stress even at great depths. As a result,
we have proposed a new concept to improve the process of drilling as
we can obtain rock samples at depths which record the stress state on
their shapes, and we are currently developing and testing a new drilling
tool to realize the concept.

Infrastructure Maintenance［Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences］

Regional Self-Medication Support
At the time of the earthquake, many of the main medical institutions andcommunity pharmacies in the communities were damaged and could notfunction. Patient medical information such as the "medication handbook"for pharmaceutical management of many people was temporarily lost,
making it difficult to keep track of necessary medications they weretaking. It was important to raise awareness of health and hygiene anddrug treatment among disaster victims even during normal times. We
compiled a "Disaster Preparedness Manual for Pharmacists" and opened"Self-Medication Studies" as a human resource development program tosupport local residents' awareness of self-medication during normal times,
providing opportunities to learn about self-medication support, health andhygiene, disaster risk reduction, and disaster medical care. Furthermore,
we held workshops in disaster stricken communities where we visit theregion with students who wish to learn about the local pharmaceuticalsupply and medical relief system. These activities led to the establishmentof the Miyagi Prefecture Liaison Conference on Disaster Medicine, which
in turn led to the development of the Disaster Medicine Supply andPharmacist Dispatch Manual (tentative).

Infrastructure Maintenance［Research Institute of Electrical Communication］

U-Type (urgent) Nation-wide Cooperative
Research Projects
From the experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake weestablished U-type (urgent) nation-wide cooperative research
projects with the aim to conduct “Research for the Realization of aDisaster Resilient Telecommunication Environment”. The purpose ofthis project is the reinforcement of the morbid telecommunication
technology as well as the safe realization and support of an efficienttelecommunication environment under unforeseen changes in theenvironment. In order to accomplish these goals, we promoted
the following four projects: “Construction of planar measurement
techniques of earthquake, tsunami, and tectonic deformation using
optical fiber networks”, “Development of advanced wide-areapublic address systems for the case of emergencies and disasters”,“Feasibility Study on Short Message Satellite Communication via
Quasi-Zenith Satellite”, and “Development of highly reliable cloudstorage technology without information loss”.

Tour of disaster-stricken areas in Minami

Sanriku during the visit of researchers from

Pennsylvania State University.

［Graduate School of Dentistry］

Large Scaled (Forensic) Identification Methods
after Catastrophes
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we were asked by the
Miyagi Police as well as the Miyagi Prefecture Dental Association toassist in the forensic identification of bodies based on dental records
and dispatched about 40 dentists to morgues on an everyday basis.
Utilizing dental matching software, we processed the identification of
unknown bodies in several prefectures and were awarded a certificate
of appreciation by the Miyagi Police as a sign of recognition.
Furthermore, with MEXT’s support we were able to establish thefirst Forensic Dental Information Science course of Japan in 2012.
Additionally, we were interviewed by the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Museum of Geneva, Swiss, which is shown as partof the exhibition. We also are a leading member of the committee
for global standardization of forensic dentistry at the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), and a new ISO standard,"Dentistry - Terminology for Forensic and Dental Information," waspublished in 2020. We continue to present our work through multiple
invites to lectures as well as media coverage.

Learning about the mobile pharmacy in“Self-medication Studies”

Workshops at disaster stricken communities

Infrastructure MaintenanceOutdoor testing of the wide-area public address
systems for the case of emergencies and disasters.

［Graduate School of Engineering］

Infrastructure Maintenance［Cyberscience Center］

Recovery Support for Regeneration and Rebirthof Ishinomaki

Telemedicine Service using “Electronic Medical
Doctor’s Bag” for Disaster Medical Care Support

Based on the comprehensive cooperation agreement with Ishinomaki,
we provided specialized support and recommendations to the recovery
process. On the peninsula for example, we could contribute to theplanning, design, and order of community bases to stop depopulation of
the region due to slow progression of the reconstruction process. Upon thisexperience, the interim “Community Reconstruction Exchange Center” withfour buildings (“Main”, “Oshika”, “Hokujo”, and “Ogachi”, completed March
2015, February and May 2016), where disaster victims and visitors could
share and exchange information of their experience were constructed toshow the potential of peninsulas suffering from depopulation.
Furthermore, we supported the planning, design, and business of corecommunity facilities and stores as well as collaborated during the planningof public transportation and reconstruction, regenerating town centersalong the riverside.

The "Electronic Medical Doctor’s Bag " is a remote medical systemfor providing face to face medical treatment utilizing IT. The system
is able to provide medical care at evacuation centers, temporary
housings, disaster-stricken nursing homes, and affected families
where doctors are unable to visit directly. In addition, physicians who
have lost their medical institutions by the damages of the disaster will
be supported to provide medical treatment for evacuees who haverelocated from their original communities. We performed experimental
medical care using this system at special nursing homes and atemporary housing in Kesennuma, Miyagi.

Electronic Medical Doctor’s Bag
Field experiments in a mine for testing a developed toolAward of a certificate of appreciationby the Miyagi Police.

174

Forensic Dentistry conference at ISO.

North building of the “Community Reconstruction
Exchange Center” in Ishinomaki.

175

Reconstruction Action 100+

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Infrastructure Maintenance［Cyberscience Center］

Development of Dependable Identity Management
Systems for Disaster-tolerant Networks
We have developed a storage-based distribution technology forevacuation centers during disasters, which combines a reliablemulticast method for efficient information distribution using a
DTN (Delay/Disruption-Tolerant Network) mechanism, a packet
collision avoidance method for improving throughput in overcrowded
environments, and information distribution control and management
technologies such as content transmission timeout control methods. As
a result, in an environment with 500 terminals, computer simulations
confirmed that using the reliable multicast method reduced thedelivery time by more than 55% compared to existing delivery methods,
and the packet collision avoidance method improved the throughput
by about 40% on average. We also confirmed the effectiveness andfeasibility of the system by successfully testing 100 units.

Infrastructure Maintenance［Cyberscience Center］

R&D on a Real Time Tsunami Inundation Forecast
System utilizing Supercomputers
The objective of this project was the research and development ofa real-time tsunami inundation forecast system that highly integrates
measurement technology and simulation, aiming to create asupercomputing center that contributes to disaster risk reduction andmitigation. In particular, the supercomputer at Tohoku University's
Cyberscience Center can estimate inundation damages within fiveminutes with a 30-mesh accuracy for the 8,000-km Pacific coast
region from Kagoshima to Ibaraki, and provide GIS information on
the damage status within 30 minutes to the government's disastermanagement office in the Cabinet Office. At present, the Cyber
Science Center provides regular high-performance computing services
to researchers and engineers in Japan, and operates the system 24/7,
to enable real-time tsunami inundation damage forecast simulationsin the event of a large-scale earthquake, thereby contributing to thesafety and security of theJapanese communities.
In the future, we aimt o e xp and t he t ar g e t
area to Hokkaido and
the Japan Sea coast,
and at the same time,
we want to work on
Architecture of the systemfurther upgrading ②浸⽔被害推定結果の可視化例
thesystem and research anddevelopment of disaster
information utilizationt e c h n o l o g y, s u c h a s
real-time provision ofdisaster information torelated local governments
and evacuation routepresentation by delivering
the information to
Visualization of the inundation and damages
residents' cell phones.

Infrastructure Maintenance［The Center for Academic Resources and Archives］

Program for Archives and Publication of 3D
Pointcloud Data of the Great East Japan
Earthquake for Tsunami Ruins
We utilize 3D digital data (cloud data) to archive “Disaster Ruins”.
Currently we are collaborating with the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science and employ a 3D Mixed Reality System
to present the result to the general public. With the huge amountof digital data, we aim to realize a practical research and education
system for mega catastrophy education. Furthermore, the information
accumulated in the “Michinoku Shinrokuden” Disaster Archive
will be mapped in a digital form to present the transformation of
the region after the earthquake in 3D virtual reality. Additionally,collaborating with disaster
stricken communities and theSmithsonian Institution, we
will continue to communicate
the experience of the Great
East Japan Earthquake toglobal communities and raiseawareness for possible future
Measuring the Kiyoto Sakuo Cave indisasters.
Futaba.

Measuring the Disaster Management
Office in Minami Sanriku

Industrial Reconstruction［Graduate School of Engineering］

Development of Portable Power Generation
Sheets for Emergencies
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we re-recognized theimportance of minimum lighting as well as means for communication.
From the perspective of energy supply, low power LED lighting andthe development of emergency mobile charging units were prioritizedissues, as well as the design of disaster resistant, light, and mobile
power generators. In order to meet these requests, we developed
portable power generation sheets, which produce electricity by stomping
or hitting on it. These sheets are light and mobile, durable and have alarge growth and deformation rate. These sheets can furthermore be
utilized as cloths and power LEDs, using the generated power. The highversatility in emergency situations also increases the expectation incommercialization and creation of jobs for the local economy.
With the support of JST’s Support Project for Strategic Developmentof Fundamental Technologies (FY2012 to FY2013) we developed highefficient electrical circuits for the effective utilization of the generated
power and achieved a 3.7 times higher storage capacity compared tocommon rectifier circuits. This result was achieved by equipping car
tires with the power generation sheet and driving at a speed of 16 to
20 km/h on flat ground for 100 seconds. By analyzing the instant wave
forms of the generated voltage we also developed the technology for
power generation under worse conditions such as uneven, wet or frozen
ground to contribute to the road safety of residents after disasters.

Demonstration of the 3D digital archive.

Car tires equipped with the power generation sheet andhigh efficiency storage circuits.

①システム構成東北大学
災害科学国際研究所

東北大学サイバーサイエンスセンター

Supercomputer AOBA

サーバ

サーバ

運用切替・
プログラム
実行

処理指示・
データ送受

地震情報推定

地震発生

震源・断層
データ等

被害予測情報
の配信

地形データ

津波浸水・
被害予測情報津波浸水・被害予測
シミュレーション
プログラム

政府・自治体等

地震情報の推定

forecast

176

津波浸水予測・被害予測

Industrial Reconstruction［Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering］

Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Venous Thrombosisof Shelter Residents
The diagnosis of venous thrombosis of disaster victims currently
relies on mobile ultra-sonic diagnostic equipment, highly dependingon the physician’s or technician’s skill to search for the thrombus
in lower extremities and requiring previous blood samples andscreening of the patients. We developed a new non-invasive
diagnosis method for venous
thrombosis of high-risk patients
without blood sampling utilizing
high-frequency ultra-sonic waves.
(Graduate School of Engineering,
Prof. Hiroshi Kanai)
We have developed a novel
medical device to visualizetransmission image of blood vessel

High-frequency ultrasound to estimate

the size of red blood cell aggregates in

dorsal hand veinsand flow by continuous Doppler beamfoming obtained with 2D matrix arrayultrasound transducer for detection of flowing embolus. (Graduate Schoolof Biomedical Engineering, Prof. Yoshifumi Saijo)

Prototype 2D array matrix probe.

Industrial Reconstruction

Transmission image of a blood vessel［Graduate School of Engineering］

Development of Green Power Integrated
Devices with High Efficient Electric Energy
Supply and Energy Saving Electric Systems
The massive power outages and rapid power consumption that
occurred during the Great East Japan Earthquake made it impossible
to ensure sufficient communication in times of disasters, such as
safety confirmation and information gathering, which reminded us
again of the limited energy and resources we have. In order to provide
an adequate response as well as achieve carbon neutrality in the
future, power electronics technology that supplies electrical energy
with high efficiency and green electronics technology that reduces thewasteful use of supplied energy to the utmost limit are essential.
We are promoting the development of green power integrated
devices that maximize energy efficiency and conservation. In green
electronics technology development, we have succeeded in developing
a 128Mb spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory(STT-MRAM), the world's smallest magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)
device, and spin-orbit torque (SOT)-MRAM chip using the world's
only 300mm spintronics integrated circuit prototype and evaluationline at a public institution. We have also succeeded in demonstrating
the world's highest performance AI associative processor and learning
processor for automated transportation, making significant progress
toward practical application. Additionally, we have confirmed the lowloss, high-frequency operation of ultra-small inverters using gallium
nitride (GaN) on Si power devices, and the achievements will expand
the range of applications from IoT/AI field, which requires ultra-low
power consumption, to the automotive field.
We will continue to collaborate with world-leading and regional
companies to create and commercialize innovative core technologies
to reinforce Japan's international competitiveness, and to play aleading role in the reconstruction of the Tohoku region and the rebirthof Japan by contributing
to regional revitalization.

300mm wafers fabricated on the world's

only spintronics-compatible 300mm process

prototyping line, compatible with cutting-edge
companies operated by a university.

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Reconstruction Action 100+

Industrial Reconstruction

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］

Let’s Light the Olympic Flame 2020 with Bio
Methane!
We aimed for the realization of an Olympic flame with renewableenergy at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bio methane gas obtained fromfermentation of raw trash of households is currently attracting a great
deal of public attention, since it would mean an Olympic flame createdby local communities. We provide demonstrations and on-site lectures
about the creation of bio methane gas to children at nationwide
elementary schools, contributing
also to environmental awarenessand education. Furthermore, weorganized a ceremony lighting aflame with bio methane at the oldnational stadium in Ishinomaki,
Miyagi, and several other events
at various places, showing our
gratitude for the support in
the regeneration process andbringing the light of recovery
from disaster stricken areas of
Tohoku.
Bio gas from raw waste.

On-site lectures at elementary schools.

Industrial Reconstruction［Graduate School of Agricultural Science］

and waste in a water tank, dredged only the sediment, separated
the sediment in sand and floc by the soil separator multi method,and finally applied the fiber-cement-stabilized soil method to modify
the planting soil. This planting soil was used in Natori, Miyagi, toconstruct and plant trees in embankments.

one of the results of these discussions,
the Sendai Ararahama Agricultural
Cooperative was established in January
2015. Since then, in order to enhance thesustainability of the Sendai Ararahama,
we have been providing technical guidanceon direct sowing of rice and soybean
cultivation using smart agriculture
technology, support for the introductionand establishment of mini-tomatoes as ahighly profitable crop, and human resource
development for employees.
Reconstruction Festival Flyer

separator-multi method.
Industrial Reconstruction

Reutilization of Waste Wood and Sludge
from the Great East Japan Earthquake for
Earthquake-Proof Artificial Grounds
In order to utilize the fiber-cement-stabilized soil method to reutilize
tsunami debris and waste wood as construction material for theregeneration process, we organized relevant tests in Sendai, Kesennuma(both Miyagi) as well as Ohfunato (Iwate). As a result, we determined,that – although the properties of tsunami debris might vary dependingon the region – the fiber-cement-stabilized soil method can be used
to reutilize sludge and debris as artificial grounds and soil fundamentmaterials. Furthermore, we sampled the debris of different disasterareas and created new ground fundament materials by mixing waste
wood chips and tsunami debris, which was already tested regarding
stability and earthquake resistance. We determined, that the fibercement-stabilized soil with mixed wood waste chips has a liquefaction
resistance force eight times more than unprocessed tsunami debris andis highly usable as earthquake resistant ground material.

Conferences

178

Vegetable production meeting

Reutilization of tsunami debris via fibercement-stabilized soil method.

Industrial Reconstruction

Dike constructed with fiber-cementstabilized soil.

Industrial Reconstruction

Construction of embankments utilizing

the planting soil obtained by from partsof the tsunami debris.

［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Arahama Project
Agriculture and rural communities in the Arahama area of
Wakabayashi, Sendai, suffered devastating damages from the tsunami
caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake 3.11.
Since fall 2011 we have been working in close collaboration withlocal farmers in Arahama, the Sendai Agricultural Cooperative (JASendai), the Agriculture and Forestry Department of the Sendai City
Economic Affairs Bureau, the Sendai Agricultural Improvement andExtension Center of the Miyagi Prefectural Government's Agriculture
Policy Department, the Miyagi Federation of Land Improvement
Organizations, the Management and Business Support Departmentof the Tohoku Agricultural Administration Bureau, and the Tohoku
Agricultural Research Center of the National Agricultural Research
Organization to support the reconstruction of the disaster stricken area. As

Separation of tsunami debris by the soil

［Graduate School of Education(Former Graduate School of Educational Informatics Research Division)］

Development of Successor Support Methods
for Traditional Culture in Disaster Stricken
Areas Facing Extinction
The Great East Japan Earthquake did not only destroy wholecommunities but also continues to threaten local traditional folk
art of various regions. After the earthquake, tangible property andcultural treasures were reconstructed very soon, but the intangible
art, folklore, and tradition is still not supported sufficiently andhas often trouble to find suitable successors. In this project, weaimed to preserve these traditional folk art utilizing information andcommunication technology and properly support successors of local
tradition. By creating “CG Animated Educational Material”, measuring
and archiving the movement and actions via motion capture, we
aim to establish valuable methods to support the local tradition ofcommunities and to pass the individual knowledge on to the next
generation.
Local folk art and culture reflects the environment as well as
history of the region, and isconsidered to be a treasure ofcommunities which has to be
succeeded. Our project has so
far digitally archived traditionsof communities in Tohoku, suchas the Kagura (Shinto theatricaldance) in collectives, andsupports the succession of these
Motion capture of the Horyo Kagura.
invaluable treasures.

Industrial Reconstruction［Institute for Materials Research］

Development of Decontamination Methods for
Sr and Cs in Environmental Water as Responseto the Nuclear Accident
The removal of radioactive cesium and strontium from theenvironment after the accident at the nuclear power plant was
mainly conducted by utilizing solid extraction agents (column
chromatography). However, the used columns not only became
incompressible solid waste, but also degraded due to the highradioactivity, becoming secondary radioactive waste continuing topose a threat to the environment. We developed a method to vitrify
radioactive particles in a compact manner, recycling the solvent
and applicable on site, by utilizing solvent extraction methods andrelated technology developed prior to the accident. In particular, weestablished a technique where solvent extraction was possible in a
non-acidic, neutral water environment by adding co-extraction agents,
were conventional methods required high acidic solutions.
Industrial Reconstruction［Institute of Fluid Science］

Development of Emergency Response Medical
Care Technology
We are developing medical equipment utilized in emergency
response medical care technology, such as plasma sterilization,
medical bio sensors, health monitoring systems, or high functional
cloths. The plasma sterilization equipment utilizing the atmospherefor example assumes its utilization for disinfection of hands orsterilization of instruments at e.g. hospitals in emergency situations
where medical resources might be insufficient. Currently, weare developing a small sterilizer that operates with water, airand electricity. Furthermore, in the course of JST’s Cutting-Edge
Research Center Project 2011-2016, we developed medical bio
sensor technology at Tohoku University. The design of vibration-proof
material aims for preventing medical instruments, e.g. scalpels, fromscattering during earthquakes, and we also developed heat dissipating
materials for rugs to have effective measures against heat at summer
and to save energy at evacuation shelters. Furthermore, in order tobe able to respond to sudden health condition changes of injured or
senior citizens, we aim to establish an easy system to continuously
monitor the blood pressure and hemodynamics of several people.

［Graduate School of Environmental Studies］

Fusion of Soil Separator-Multi Method and Bon
Terrain Method for Tsunami Debris Recycle
and Ground Materials Evaluation
Although there are many projects for the reconstruction andregeneration after the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami debris isvery hard to recycle or reutilize and is often just piled up in dumping
grounds. We thought of developing recycling facilities to sort thisdebris, filter the sediment, and reutilize it for artificial soil. While
testing, we first put the tsunami debris with all the mixed rubble

Process from motion capturing to thecreation of CG animations.

Mo t ion c ap t ur e o f the Ur ahama
Nenbutsu Kenbu.

Plasma sterilization light179

Reconstruction Action 100+

Industrial Reconstruction

Interviews［Institute of Fluid Science］

Development of Alternative Energy Resources
To counteract the power shortage due to the problems at thenuclear power plant, we develop new efficient ways for solar power
conversion, hydrogen fuel cells, and other natural energy utilization
techniques, as well as the fusion of nano-energy (e.g. solar cells,
hydrogen fuel cells) and mega-energy (e.g. fossil fuel, wind power,
geothermal power) systems to realize a smart energy network with
optimized design. As part of JST’s Strategic Basic Research Programs
2009-2015 and in collaboration with the universities Tokyo, Hokkaido,
Keio, and Nara Institute of Science and Technology, we developed
the research for high efficient quantum dot solar cells exceeding thetheoretical limit of a 30% conversion rate. With the support of METI’s“Support Project for the Promotion of Industry-Academia Innovation”
we established an industry-academia consortium for advanced energy
devices in 2012, promoting the realization of optimized systems forsolar, rechargeable, and fuel batteries as well as autonomous energy
systems utilizing regenerative energy sources. Furthermore, we
inaugurated the Innovative Energy Research Center in April 2013,
advancing and leading researchin all energy related fields of
Tohoku University.

the deformation and destruction behavior of debris and structures byconsidering the interaction between tsunami and structures in a relatively
small area such as industrial and power plants. In addition, we are also
developing a simulation method to optimize the configuration and shapeof onshore structures to mitigate tsunami impact, and to predict theshape and configuration of tsunami buffer structures to be built offshore.

Industrial Reconstruction

R&D of Green Materials for Energy Harvestingand Energy Saving
The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) has
promoted world-leading research on materials science. In particular,
we have focused on creating green materials for energy harvesting,energy saving, and environmental clean-up. Based on our results andachievements, we aim to dramatically improve the efficiency of solar
energy usage (energy harvesting) as an aid to the reconstruction fromthe Great East Japan Earthquake. Aiming at highly efficient conversionof solar energy to electric power, we develop new materials and design
new devices to achieve energy harvesting. In addition, we will promote
the discovery of new superconducting substances as well as elucidationof superconducting mechanism for electric resistance reduction (energy
saving), and contribute to the recovery from the disaster throughmaterials research.

Industrial Reconstruction

Technology Consortium for Advanced

Energy Devices and AIST’s Fukushima
Renewable Energy Institute.

［Institute of Fluid Science］

Super Computation of Flotsam Mixed Tsunamis
For the flow and impact forces of flotsam mixed tsunamis or
floods, earthquake disaster debris, we have been developing a highprecision multiphase hydrodynamic approach without using the longwave approximation, and have been predicting the multiphase tsunami
flow characteristics and evaluating
the damage to structures bysupercomputing. In order to improve
the quantitative prediction accuracy of
the tsunami impact force evaluationby this simulation, we will conduct abasic experiment using the concept ofcoastal ocean modeling and tsunami
scale modeling, and compare theresults with the simulation results.
The objective of this study is todevelop a simulation method thatcan simultaneously analyze theinterfacial deformation behavior Massively Parallel Supercomputingof collision tsunami. Also to clarify on Flood Flow Impacting Bridge Piers

180

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we have proposed a new
regional transportation system using advanced technologies andknowledge in the Miyagi Reconstruction Park, and have created specificnew industries such as the mass production of lithium-ion batteries thatare safe, reliable, and can be produced and consumed locally. We areworking to contribute to the reconstruction of Fukushima by using theresults of our research solve social issues in the region, and by creating
new industries through further R&D demonstrations and promotion ofpractical implementation.
As of September 2019, we established a center at the Fukushima
Robot Test Field (RTF) and utilize the nationwide university network
to promote the demonstration and implementation of next-generation
mobility such as CASE and MaaS through co-creation between
industry and academia. For example, we are holding seminars to raiseawareness and develop human resources related to next-generation
mobility, and have introduced small EVs for 3D environmental
measurement, conversion to lithium-ion batteries, and demonstration of
non-contact power supply.

Small EVs

Looking at
futurefacingchallengesof theregion［New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe)］

Establishment of an “International Center for theCreation and Implementation of Mobility Innovation ”

Meeting of Tohoku University’s Core

Industrial Reconstruction［Advanced Institute for Materials Research］

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Monthly Seminar

Photography cleaning volunteer work immediately
after the disaster. Taking care of the albums of thevictims and carefully removing mud from each photo.

Hallo w een E v ent at
Yamamoto in recent
years. Students started
the event 5 years ago.
Community support
by creating a placefor exchange andinteraction.

Tohoku University Regional Reconstruction
Project

HARU
Masayuki Yoshida, Representative, Faculty of
Science, Mathematics, 3rd Year
Yuka Suzuki, Deputy Representative, Faculty of
Science, Mathematics, 3rd YearKojiro Hashimoto, Manager for the Yamamoto
Area, Faculty of Arts and Letters, 3rd Year
Naohiro Higashiizumi, Next Manager for the
Ishinomaki Area, ‘Students thinking about 10 Years
after the Disaster’ Project Leader, Faculty of Law,
2nd YearTohoku University's student volunteer group ‘HARU’ supports the reconstructionof the disaster area. It was formed by student volunteers immediately after theearthquake and has been engaged in many activities to support communities. We
interviewed four members who are currently active in HARU about their recent
activities and thoughts.
- Please tell us about your current activities.
Yoshida The main areas of HARU's activities
are Ishinomaki and Yamamoto in Miyagi.
In Ishinomaki, we engage with community
members through tea ceremonies at public
housing for reconstruction, and in Yamamoto,we assist in the management of product events.
Suzuki In Yamamoto, there are not enoughpeople to organize events, so we are helping
them out.
Hashimoto That’s true. I recently heard
someone in Yamamoto say “10, 20 years ago,
there was a lot of laughter with many children.
You don’t hear that anymore nowadays.” I think
the depopulation and the aging community is areal issue for the region.
Higashiizumi I have the feeling, the disasterworsened the already bad situation regarding
depopulation in these communities. When wevisit, people often say “Students bring newlife to the community”, so I hope we can bringback some of the laughter with our volunteer
work.
- 10 Years after the Disaster
Higashiizumi We recently started the

project ‘Students thinking about 10 Years
after the Disaster’. I think it is a good
opportunity to reflect on our volunteer workwith HARU and build a place to address
not only issues of the disaster stricken
communities but also societal issues throughstudent workshops and meetings.
Suzuki It has also been 10 years since
HARU started and there is a lot of history.
Immediately after the disaster, members hadno time to rest and really wanted to help
regional communities. I think it is importantto remember the spirit of our predecessors.
Yoshida Directly after the disaster, there
was a lot of practical support and in-person
work such as removing debris and cleaning.
With the reconstruction of the communities,
there is now a lot more soft interaction withmental support of people.
Hashimoto That’s true. The ‘hardware’ sideof reconstruction very much progressed, butthere is still a need for long term support ofthe ‘software’ side of things.
Suzuki Management of HARU will behanded over to juniors, so we want to support
them and pass on our knowledge.

181

Contributions to Reconstruction Planning

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Contributing to Regeneration Planning at Conferences and Meetings
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, members of Tohoku University actively participated in councils of central ministries and provided
recommendations as well as contributed policy suggestions for the support of the regeneration and reconstruction of the region(reconstruction of cities and villages, decontamination, recovery from salt damage, counseling, verification of remains, etc.).
※ The following is a list of past activities, including those that have already been completed or pursued by retired members.

National「新しい東北」の創造に向けた一次産業分野における有識者懇談会［Cabinet Office］
防災基本計画の在り方に関する検討会

有識者（社会基盤分野）事業評価者

法学研究科

農学研究科

島田

災害科学国際研究所

明夫教授

島田

明夫教授

第24期・社会学委員会東日本大震災後の社会的モニタリングと復興の課
題検討分科会
経済学研究科増田聡教授

次世代インフラ・復興再生戦略協議会
電気通信研究所

羽生

貴弘教授

今村

文彦教授

今村

総合科学技術会議
再生戦略協議会

今村

今村
今村

文彦教授

防災関連調査研究の戦略的推進ワーキンググループ
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

佐藤

日本海溝・千島海溝沿いの巨大地震モデル検討会
文彦教授

地震・津波関連指針等検討小委員会

理学研究科地震・ 噴火予知研究観測センター 海野
工学研究科 京谷 孝史教授
災害科学国際研究所 越村 俊一教授

徳仁教授

［Reconstruction Agency］「平成30年度被災地における先行事例収集業務」
監修委員
経済学研究科福嶋路教授

専門家派遣集中支援事業
経済学研究科福嶋

復興推進委員会
工学研究科

中田

路教授

俊彦教授

「新しい東北」先導モデル事業
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

災害危険区域内の土地利用のあり方勉強会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

被災市街地における土地活用促進支援調査 有識者委員会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

東日本大震災からの復興の総括に係るWG
工学研究科

182

姥浦

道生教授

文彦教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

福島県原発事故避難区域に帰還される方々への地デジ支援事業の委託先
の評価会

復興・

秀昭教授

理学研究科

松澤

暢教授

東日本大震災を受けた防災教育・防災管理等に関する有識者会議
今村

文彦教授

地震調査研究推進本部地震調査委員会津波評価部会
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

今村
越村

文彦教授
俊一教授

国立研究開発法人防災科学技術研究所部会
越村

俊一教授

地震調査研究推進本部健教授

理学研究科 松澤 暢教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村

文彦教授

今村

災害科学国際研究所

防災教育チャレンジプラン実行委員会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

災害科学国際研究所

文彦教授

大規模災害情報の収集・保存・活用方策に関する検討会
災害科学国際研究所

東日本大震災を踏まえた危険物施設等の地震・津波対策のあり方に係る検討委員会［Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology］
科学技術・学術審議会 研究計画・評価分科会 防災科学技術委員会

文彦教授

科学技術イノベーション政策推進専門調査会

災害科学国際研究所

文彦教授

サイバーサイエンスセンター 曽根

文彦教授

中央防災会議南海トラフ巨大地震対策検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

東日本大震災アーカイブ利活用会合

中央防災会議南海トラフの巨大地震モデル検討会
災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

文彦教授

今村

明寛准教授

避難支援アプリの機能に関する検討会

東北地方太平洋沖地震を教訓とした地震・津波対策に関する専門調査会
災害科学国際研究所

柴山

災害科学国際研究所

ICTワーキンググループ

東日本大震災復興構想会議検討部会
災害科学国際研究所

文彦教授［Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications］
地域防災計画における地震・津波対策の充実・強化に関する検討会

火山防災エキスパート等合同会議
法学研究科

今村

岩手県震災津波関連資料に係る収集・デジタル化並びにデジタルアーカイ
ブ構築及び運用保守業務に関する技術的審査委員会

明夫教授

島田

房雄教授

災害科学国際研究所

被災者の住まいの確保策検討ワーキンググループ
法学研究科

伊藤

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

源栄
遠田
後藤

正人教授
晋次教授
和久准教授

持続可能なバイオマス発電のあり方に係る研究会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

［Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism］
東北港湾の復旧・復興基本方針検討委員会
経済学研究科林山

泰久教授

東北ブロックにおける社会資本整備重点計画に関する有識者懇談会
経済学研究科増田聡教授

地産地消型自然エネルギーの有効活用方策の構築に関する検討会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

井土浦海岸堤防構造検討会
工学研究科

田中

仁教授

東日本大震災による津波被害からの復興まちづくり検証委員会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

東日本大震災における津波被害からの市街地復興事業検証委員会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

交通政策審議会港湾分科会防災部会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

東北地方太平洋沖地震による津波被害を踏まえた津波警報改善に向けた勉強会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

防災国土づくり委員会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授
文彦教授

空港の津波対策検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

緑地やオープンスペースの活用による津波被害の軽減方策等検討調査及び迅速な復旧・復興に向けたがれきの活用方策等に関する検討業務合同
有識者委員会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

法学研究科

米村

滋人准教授

被災地の復興のための先端技術展開事業運営委員会
農学研究科

伊藤

房雄教授

勝也准教授
明名誉教授

下水道地震・津波対策技術検討委員会
工学研究科 大村 達夫教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

東北港湾における津波・震災対策技術検討委員会
工学研究科 風間 基樹教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

［Ministry of the Environment］
再生可能エネルギー等導入推進基金事業審査委員会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

防災拠点等への再生可能エネルギー等導入推進事業審査委員会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

2050年再生可能エネルギー等分散型エネルギー普及可能性検証検討会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

再生可能エネルギー熱を活用したゼロ・エネルギー化の検討ワーキンググループ
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

地域貢献型再生可能エネルギー導入方策検討ワーキンググループ
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

川内村対策地域内廃棄物処理業務（減容化処理等）技術提案書審査委員会

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

海岸委員会

災害科学国際研究所

今村
越村
越村

文彦教授
俊一教授
俊一教授

高田松原津波復興祈念公園 空間デザイン検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

旧北上川かわまちづくり検討会 市民部会
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

高田松原津波復興祈念公園 景観検討調整会議
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

震災伝承検討会

健教授

工学研究科 田中 仁教授
災害科学国際研究所 平野
災害科学国際研究所 真野
澤本 正樹名誉教授

津波予測技術勉強会［Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries］
食糧・農業分野における震災復興のための専門家会議

佐藤

勝也准教授

宮城県沿岸域河口部・海岸施設復旧における環境等検討委員会

平成25年度災害廃棄物対策指針の策定業務検討委員会

俊一教授

津波予測技術に関する勉強会

災害科学国際研究所

工学研究科 田中 仁教授
災害科学国際研究所 平野

河川分科会（社会資本整備審議会）

越村

中央教育審議会スポーツ・青少年分科会

健教授

旧北上川かわまちづくり検討会

巨大地震に伴う災害廃棄物対応検討委員会

災害科学国際研究所

名取川水系河川整備学識者懇談会

佐藤

工学研究科 田中 仁教授
工学研究科 本江 正茂准教授
災害科学国際研究所 平野 勝也准教授

津波警報の発表基準等と情報文のあり方に関する検討会

災害に強い学校施設づくり検討部会
災害科学国際研究所

水辺を活かしたまちづくり検討

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

環境科学研究科吉岡

環境科学研究科

吉岡

敏明教授

吉岡

敏明教授
敏明教授

平成25年度飯舘村小宮地区対策地域内廃棄物処理業務（減容化）アドバ
イザリー委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

葛尾村対策地域内廃棄物処理業務（減容化処理）技術提案書審査委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

東北地方災害廃棄物連絡会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

対策地域内廃棄物処理業務等（減容化処理）に係るアドバイザリー委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

大規模災害発生時における災害廃棄物対策検討委員会
環境科学研究科

吉岡

敏明教授

今村

文彦教授

災害廃棄物対策推進検討会

今村

文彦教授

災害廃棄物対策東北ブロック協議会

仙台湾南部海岸地区環境等検討懇談会
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

環境科学研究科

越村
有働

俊一教授
恵子 准教授環境科学研究科
環境科学研究科

吉岡
吉岡

敏明教授
敏明教授

中間貯蔵施設における可燃性除染廃棄物等の減容化施設検討会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

東日本大震災に係る海岸防災林の再生に関する検討会

震災遺構等サインに関する検討委員会

中間貯蔵施設における廃棄物等処理業務事業者選定に係る審査基準等検討会［Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries /Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism］
海岸における津波対策検討委員会「大規模災害等に備えた外国人観光客への情報収集・提供方法に関する実証事業」検討会

生成物の性状確認等に係る技術検討委員会

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

今村

今村

文彦教授

文彦教授

［Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry］
再生可能エネルギーアドバイザリーボード
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

再生可能エネルギー導入による産業復興の可能性調査検討委員会
工学研究科

中田

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

平野

佐藤

勝也准教授

翔輔 准教授

仙台空港復旧・復興のあり方検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

奥村
越村

誠教授
俊一教授

北上川等堤防復旧技術検討委員会
真野

明名誉教授

環境科学研究科
環境科学研究科吉岡

放射線審議会吉岡敏明教授

災害科学国際研究所

敏明教授

千田

浩一教授

［House of Councillors］
東日本大震災と統治機構についての審査会
法学研究科

牧原

出教授

俊彦教授

183

Contributions to Reconstruction Planning［Japan International Cooperation Agency］
プロジェクト研究「防災の主流化」委員会
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

エクアドル「津波を伴う地震のモニタリング能力強化プロジェクト」
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

［Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency］
観測衛星を利用した防災利用実証活動水害ワーキンググループ
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

大規模災害衛星画像解析支援チーム
災害科学国際研究所

越村

水害ワーキンググループ

俊一教授

災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

［Japan Atomic Energy Agency / Cabinet Office］
放射線防護対策評価検討会
薬学研究科

吉田

浩子准教授

［National Institute for Environmental Studies］
災害廃棄物の迅速・円滑な処理を目指した処理技術・システムの研究アドバイザリー委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授［National Institute for Environmental Studies / Fukushima］
福島県環境創造センター環境創造部門
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

教育学研究科石井山

竜平准教授

復興まちづくり検討会
経済学研究科

大滝

経済学研究科大滝

仙台市議会 エネルギー政策調査特別委員会

中央二丁目地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会

宮城県津波対策連絡協議会

仙台市環境監査委員会

石巻市新蛇田地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会

宮城県国土強靭化地域計画アドバイザー

仙台市集団移転跡地利活用検討委員会

学校防災推進会議

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

経済学研究科増田

経済学研究科

聡教授

増田

聡教授

増田

聡教授

宮城県議会再生可能エネルギー等調査特別委員会
中田

俊彦教授

再生可能エネルギー等導入地方公共団体支援基金事業外部有識者評価会
中田

俊彦教授

蒲生干潟自然再生事業等に関する意見交換会
田中仁教授

東部管内農地災害復旧等施工技術検討委員会
伊藤

房雄教授

東日本大震災に係る災害廃棄物処理業務総括検討委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

宮城県行政評価委員会
環境科学研究科井上

政策評価部会千弘教授

宮城県災害廃棄物処理計画
環境科学研究科吉岡

有識者検討会敏明教授

宮城県環境審議会環境基本計画策定専門委員会
環境科学研究科吉岡

宮城県震災復興会議
災害科学国際研究所

敏明教授

今村

文彦教授

防災会議（東日本大震災検証・記録専門部会）
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

みやぎ防災教育推進ネットワーク会議
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

宮城県津波浸水想定の設定に関する検討会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

今村

文彦教授

今村
佐藤

文彦教授
文彦教授
健教授

「宮城県復興10年総括検証」基礎データ資料作成業務に関する公募型プロ
ポーザル方式選定委員
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔准教授

広域防災拠点整備検討会議
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

実践的防災教育総合支援事業推進委員会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

松島自然の家再建に係る懇話会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

防災教育を中心とした実践的安全教育総合支援事業
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

防災教育を中心とした学校安全フォーラム実行委員会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

健教授

佐藤

宮城県行政評価委員会

健教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

学校安全総合支援事業推進委員会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

健教授

佐藤

健教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

宮城県震災復興検証アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

宮城県総合計画審議会

環境科学研究科 吉岡 敏明教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

宮城県国土利用調査審議会
経済学研究科今村愛子准教授

未来へつなぐ学校と地域の安全フォーラム実行委員会

精一教授

宮城県防災会議（地震対策等専門部会）

184

女川原子力発電所2号機の安全性に関する検討会

災害科学国際研究所

新・みやぎ建設産業振興懇談会

農学研究科

上釜南部地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会

桜井

宮城県行政評価委員会政策評価部会第三分科会

精一教授

宮城県被災者復興支援会議

工学研究科

津波避難施設の整備に関する検討委員会

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所［Miyagi］
宮城県NPO等の絆力を活かした震災復興支援事業審査委員会

工学研究科

防災教育を中心とした学校安全フォーラム実行委員

宮城県行政評価委員会政策評価部会

Regional

工学研究科

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

俊一教授

公共土木施設構造検討会

工学研究科 大村 達夫教授
工学研究科 鈴木 基行教授
工学研究科 田中 仁教授
災害科学国際研究所 越村 俊一教授
災害科学国際研究所 真野 明教授

地震対策等専門部会

経済学研究科 増田 聡教授
理学研究科 海野 徳仁教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

宮城県防災専門教育アドバイザー
工学研究科 小野田
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
病院 石井 正教授

泰明教授
佐藤 健教授平川 新名誉教授
今村 文彦教授［Sendai］
仙台市震災復興検討会議、東部地域検討ワーキング
経済学研究科増田聡教授

仙台市復興まちづくり連絡調整会議
経済学研究科増田聡教授

仙台市震災復興メモリアル等検討委員会
経済学研究科増田聡教授

仙台市復興記録誌編さんアドバイザー
経済学研究科増田聡教授

経済学研究科
工学研究科
工学研究科
工学研究科

増田

中田

聡教授

中田

俊彦教授

姥浦

俊彦教授
道生教授

姥浦

道生教授

沿岸部メモリアル施設アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

工学研究科

姥浦
姥浦

道生教授
道生教授

災害科学国際研究所

仙台市集団移転跡地利活用事業者選定委員会
工学研究科

工学研究科

佐藤

翔輔准教授

中心部震災メモリアル拠点検討委員会

災害科学国際研究所 佐藤 翔輔准教授
災害科学国際研究所 マリ エリザベス准教授

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

桜井
佐藤

愛子准教授
健教授

石巻市復興まちづくり推進会議
災害科学国際研究所

駅前拠点地区検討会
災害科学国際研究所

中瀬公園検討会

災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

平野

勝也准教授

平野

勝也准教授

仙台市津波避難施設の整備に関する検討委員会

河北（二子）地区復興まちづくり協議会

新たな学校防災教育推進協議会

新蛇田南第二地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会

新防災教育副読本編集アドバイザー

石巻市震災伝承検討会議

災害に強いコミュニティのための市民フォーラム実行委員会

石巻市震災遺構検討会議（旧門脇小学校校舎）

仙台市地域防災リーダー養成事業次期計画作成に向けた研究会

石巻市震災伝承事業に関するアドバイザー及びファシリテーター

仙台市防災会議原子力防災部会

かわまちづくり交流拠点検討会

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

健教授

佐藤

健教授
健教授

サイバーサイエンスセンター 曽根

仙台市情報化推進会議

サイバーサイエンスセンター 曽根

仙台市防災会議

経済学研究科 増田
災害科学国際研究所

秀昭教授
秀昭教授

聡教授
千田 浩一教授

災害科学国際研究所

平野

災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

勝也准教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔助教

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔助教

災害科学国際研究所

平野

翔輔准教授

半島拠点部実務者会議

勝也准教授

災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

石巻市市街地復興工事調整業務に関するプロポーザル選定委員
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

仙台市復興推進協議会

震災伝承検討会議及び震災遺構検討会議（旧門脇小学校校舎、旧大川小学校校舎）

仙台市震災復興検討会議

プロポーザル選定委員会（旧門脇小学校震災遺構調査・基本設計等業務、
大川小学校旧校舎震災遺構調査・基本設計等業務）

経済学研究科 福嶋 路教授
農学研究科 伊藤 房雄教授
法学研究科 牧原 出教授
経済学研究科 増田 聡教授
医学系研究科 辻 一郎教授
工学研究科 風間 基樹教授
工学研究科 堀切川 一男教授
農学研究科 中井 裕教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

仙台市震災復興推進本部会議（震災復興アドバイザー）
経済学研究科 大滝 精一教授
経済学研究科 増田 聡教授
経済学研究科 西出 優子准教授
工学研究科 小野田 泰明教授
農学研究科 中井 裕教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

工学研究科 小野田 泰明教授
災害科学国際研究所 今村 文彦教授

［Iwanuma］
仙塩広域都市計画事業岩沼市矢野目西地区土地区画整理審議会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

岩沼市農業復興検討委員会
農学研究科

伊藤

房雄教授

岩沼市震災復興会議

工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

石巻市あけぼの北地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

石巻市中心市街地活性化検討市民会議
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

石巻市観光交流施設整備実務者検討委員会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

石巻市湊西地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

健教授

石巻市震災復興推進本部復興ビジョン有識者懇談会

復興まちづくり推進会議

泰明教授

健教授

石巻市防災教育副読本編集委員会

岩沼市防災会議

小野田

翔輔准教授

石巻市学校防災推進会議［Ishinomaki］
石巻市震災復興基本計画市民検討委員会
工学研究科

翔輔准教授

災害科学国際研究所
経済学研究科 大滝
災害科学国際研究所

丸谷

浩明教授

精一教授
今村 文彦教授［Osaki］
大崎市加護坊温泉さくらの湯太陽光発電設備等、木質バイオマス設備導入
事業設計施工一括発注・公募型プロポーザル選定委員会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

大崎市災害復興懇談会／震災復興市民会議
災害科学国際研究所

源栄

正人教授

大崎市防災教育アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

健教授

185

Contributions to Reconstruction Planning

みやぎ防災教育推進協力校事業大崎市防災教育アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授

防災教育を中心とした実践的安全教育総合支援事業大崎市防災（安全）
教育アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤健教授［Kesennuma］
岩井崎プロムナードセンター整備検討会議
災害科学国際研究所

気仙沼市防災会議

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔准教授

今村

文彦教授

気仙沼市新庁舎建設基本構想策定有識者会議
災害科学国際研究所

丸谷

浩明教授

気仙沼市震災復興会議
経済学研究科 大滝
災害科学国際研究所

精一教授
今村 文彦教授［Shiogama］
北浜地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

藤倉二丁目地区被災市街地復興土地区画整理審議会
工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

塩釜市防災教育推進協議会
災害科学国際研究所

防災教育推進協議会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤
佐藤

健教授
健教授

塩竈市震災復興計画検討委員会
工学研究科 姥浦 道生准教授
医工学研究科 小玉 哲也教授
首藤 伸夫名誉教授［Tagajo］
多賀城市立小・中学校防災主任会アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔准教授

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

［Onagawa］
復興まちづくりデザイン会議［Iwate］
スマートコミュニティ推進協議会

女川町発展計画審議会

海と山と人をつなぐ地域再生可能エネルギーシステム・大船渡プロジェクト
推進協議会

災害科学国際研究所

平野

災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授
勝也准教授

女川町復興計画策定委員会
農学研究科 木島 明博教授
首藤 伸夫名誉教授［Kami］
加美町防災会議
法学研究科

明夫教授

小野田

泰明教授

災害科学国際研究所

勝也准教授(仮)南三陸町震災伝承館施設展示基本計画策定業務プロポーザル審査委員会
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

南三陸町震災復興計画策定会議
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所
大橋 英寿名誉教授

越村
平野

俊一教授
勝也准教授

［Yamamoto］
山元町コンパクトシティ型スマートコミュニティ事業アドバイザリーボード
中田

俊彦教授

山元町震災復興有識者会議
災害科学国際研究所

今村［Watari］
亘理町震災復興会議
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

文彦教授

亘理町防災主任者会（防災教育推進研修会）アドバイザー［Natori］
名取市防災会議［Hokkaido］
防災アドバイザー

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

佐藤

翔輔准教授

翔輔准教授

田中

仁教授

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

災害科学国際研究所

中田

翔輔准教授

佐藤

工学研究科

姥浦

道生教授

岩手県河川・海岸構造物の復旧等における環境・景観検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

平野

勝也准教授

翔輔准教授

定池

祐季助教

今村

文彦教授

陸前高田市景観審議会

柴山

災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

明寛准教授
健教授

岩手県津波防災技術専門委員会（津波関係）
災害科学国際研究所
首藤 伸夫名誉教授

今村

文彦教授

釜石市復興プロジェクト会議
工学研究科 小野田
災害科学国際研究所

泰明教授
越村 俊一教授［Yamagata］
スマートコミュニティ推進委員会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

経済学研究科 増田 聡教授
経済学研究科 福嶋 路准教授
工学研究科 風間 基樹教授
工学研究科 姥浦 道生准教授
災害科学国際研究所 越村 俊一教授
災害科学国際研究所 村尾 修教授

東日本大震災第三者検証委員会

電気通信研究所 鈴木 陽一教授
災害科学国際研究所 越村 俊一教授
沢谷 邦男名誉教授［Higashimatsushima］
東松島市防災会議
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤

翔輔准教授

佐藤

翔輔准教授

東松島市震災復興モニュメント検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

工学研究科

佐藤

翔輔准教授

東松島市復興まちづくり計画有識者委員会
経済学研究科 増田 聡教授
農学研究科 大村 道明助教

中田

俊彦教授

中田

俊彦教授

青森県エネルギー産業振興戦略推進会議
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

弘前市分散型エネルギーインフラプロジェクト事業化アドバイザリー会議
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

弘前型スマートシティ懇談会
工学研究科

東松島市震災伝承館事業アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

青森県原子力安全対策検証委員会（津波関係）
災害科学国際研究所

今村

文彦教授

学校と地域が一体になった防災教育推進事業アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

今村佐藤

防災対策強化検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

佐藤［Akita］
津波浸水想定調査委員会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

文彦教授
翔輔准教授
健教授

俊一教授

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

今村
後藤

文彦教授
和久准教授

［Shimane］
地震津波防災対策検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

遠田

晋次教授

［Tokushima］
徳島県復興指針検討委員会
定池

祐季助教

災害科学国際研究所
災害科学国際研究所

今村
越村

文彦教授
俊一教授

Others［Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute］
東日本大震災生活復興研究会
経済学研究科増田聡教授［Tohoku Regional Development Association］
東北地域づくり協会
国際文化研究科青木俊明准教授

除染・中間貯蔵関連技術探索サイト技術評価委員会

双葉町津波被災地域復興小委員会［Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center］
巨大地震・津波等の対策技術検討委員会

工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

宍戸

経済学研究科邦久教授

増田経済学研究科

聡教授

増田

吉田

聡教授

浩子准教授

福島県再生可能エネルギー次世代技術開発事業
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

地域復興実用化開発等促進事業費補助金審査会（エネルギー分野）
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

福島市環境審議会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

環境科学研究科
環境科学研究科

吉岡
吉岡

敏明教授

災害科学国際研究所

敏明教授

越村

俊一教授

［Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.］
津波評価に関する技術検討会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

［Research Organization for Catastrophic Disaster Reduction］
大規模災害対策研究機構
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

［The Japanese Institute of Fisheries Infrastructure and Communities］
津波漂流物対策の技術調査検討委員会
災害科学国際研究所

越村

俊一教授

イノベーション・コースト構想将来展開検討会
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

大熊町ゼロカーボンビジョン策定有識者会議
工学研究科

中田

俊彦教授

福島県復興計画検討委員会
農学研究科

伊藤

房雄教授

福島県復興ビジョン検討委員会
農学研究科

伊藤

房雄教授

葛尾村産業再生事業化計画アドバイザー
農学研究科

伊藤

房雄教授

中間所蔵施設に関する専門家会議
俊一教授

環境科学研究科吉岡敏明教授

ふくしま環境・リサイクル関連産業研究会
環境科学研究科186

越村［Fukushima］
伊達市総合計画審議会

薬学研究科

弘前型スマートシティ構想策定委員会

災害科学国際研究所［Shizuoka］
防災・原子力学術会議津波対策分科会［ Japan Environmental Storage & Safety Corporation］
中間貯蔵事業技術検討会

大熊町除染検証委員会

祐季助教

俊一教授

山形県廃棄物処理施設審査会［Aomori］
スマートシティアカデミー

定池

越村

石油基地等地震・津波対策検討会

災害科学国際研究所

名取市新たな未来会議

災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所［Ibaraki］
茨城県原子力安全対策委員会

自主防災組織活性化検討会議

楢葉町復興まちづくり計画検討委員会

勝也准教授

俊一教授

高田松原津波復興祈念公園震災津波伝承施設検討委員会

勝也准教授

厚真町心のサポート・防災学習推進協議会

平野

越村

災害科学国際研究所

平野

閖上地区まちなか再生協議会
災害科学国際研究所

災害科学国際研究所

福島県沿岸津波浸水想定策定に向けた技術検討会［Kochi］
高知県南海トラフ地震対策推進本部

災害科学国際研究所

法学研究科

災害科学国際研究所

俊彦教授

大船渡地区津波復興拠点整備事業専門員会

災害科学国際研究所

平野

多賀城市立東豊中学校区防災教育推進委員会アドバイザー

翔輔准教授

俊彦教授

岩手県津波防災技術専門委員会

亘理町防災会議佐藤中田

高田地区海岸養浜技術検討委員会

工学研究科

島田

多賀城市被災者現況調査アドバイザー
災害科学国際研究所

俊彦教授

宮古市スマートコミュニティ推進協議会［Minamisanriku］
道の駅整備推進協議会

工学研究科

工学研究科

中田

工学研究科

［Shichigahama］
七ヶ浜町震災復興計画震災復興アドバイザー
工学研究科

工学研究科

福島県海岸における津波対策等検討会

吉岡

敏明教授

187

Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future”
Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake Tohoku University established the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction andRegeneration Research in April 2011. Since then, over 10 years have passed and we engaged in many reconstruction actions suchas Disaster Science, Regional Health Care, Environmental Energy and Decommissioning of Nuclear Reactors. This is because
we believe that giving back the knowledge, experience, and lessons learned from the disaster to communities is our mission as auniversity experiencing the disaster of unprecedented scale.
Now, 10 years after the disaster, the world is facing new challenges such as climate change, more severe and more frequent
weather disasters, and the spread of COVID-19. Using our knowledge and experience from the disaster and reconstruction willbe the new challenge for Tohoku University.

“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future” Homepage:https://tohokuuniversity-lessonsfrom311.com/

At “Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future”,
we categorized Tohoku University’s “wisdom” in 4 fields.

10 Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Thank you to everybody for your support.
Join us in creating a new future.

We organized online symposia based on these categories to think about the future.

【 4 Topics for Living Together in the Future】

Life
SupportConnection

LivingwithBeing Alive

Livingwith theCommunity

LivingwithDisasters

Livingwith
Exploration

NatureReadiness

188

Society

Technology

Creation

189

Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, infectious diseases, weare always Living
living close to the next disaster. And these disasters cannot be prevented with

LivingwithDisasters

Naturewith We have to face nature and be ready to live with the next disaster. We
current technology.

Exploration
thought about the power of living with 10 years worth of disaster knowledge and experience.
Technology

Society

Life

Many people help and support each other when faced with disasters such as the Great East
Connection

SupportLivingwithBeing Alive

Japan Earthquake
to overcome hardship. These experiences provide a new perspective on life
Livingwith theand an opportunity
to reflect on what is actually important. We thought about future forms ofCommunity

life with 10 years worth of disaster knowledge and experience.

Creation

Readiness

First Online Symposium “Living with Disasters”（July 2020）

Second Online Symposium “Living with Being Alive”（September 2020）

In July 2020, we held the First Online Symposium “Living with

the Graduate School of Medicine) discussed topics such as “HowThe Second Online Symposium “Living with Being Alive” was held

University Hospital, presenting important aspects of emergency

Disasters”. Thinking about three perspectives “Tsunami Disasters”,

can communities live with disasters that strike repeatedly and are

in September 2020 and we published three videos thinking about life

medical care seen through the experiences of the 3.11 disaster and the“Climate Disasters” and “Disasters by Infectious Diseases” threeinevitable?”, “What kind of future awaits us in the face of disaster?”and supporting each other.

Each of them introduced their latest research findings and preventive

Research Institute of Disaster Science, Prof. Toshio Suga frommeasures, and discussed commonalities as well as the new form of a

the Graduate School of Science and Prof. Hitoshi Oshitani fromresilient society they see.

LivingLivingwithTohokuMedical Megabank Organization was interviewed
by SingerExploration
Disasters

COVID-19 crisis.

experts (Director Fumihiko Imamura from the International

In the first video, Executive Director Masayuki Yamamotowith
from theNaturesongwriter miki, talking about activities of the Organization, thecreation of the biobank and Next Generation Medicine.
Readiness

In the third video, Prof. Yozo Taniyama from the Graduate Schoolof Arts and Letters discussed actions of Tohoku University’s InterfaithTechnology
Chaplains with TBS Producer Yutaka Tawada, talking about a new

Creation form of mental health care.

The second video was a lecture by Prof. Tadashi Ishii from the［Special Discussion］

What we can learn from Tsunami Disasters × Climate Disasters ×Disasters by Infectious Diseases（Part 1 & 2）

［Interview］

Chances for Next Generation Medicine with Disaster Knowledge［Participants］［Participants］

Fumihiko Imamura, Director of the International Research

Masayuki Yamamoto,

Institute of Disaster Science

Executive Director of the Tohoku Medical

Toshio Suga, Prof. at the Graduate School of Science

Megabank Organization

Hitoshi Oshitani, Prof. at the Graduate School of Medicine［Lecture］［Lecture］［Lecture］

IRIDeS after the Great East Japan
Earthquake and New Challenges

Increasing Risks of Climate
and Oceanic Disasters Due to
Climate Change

Disaster Risk Management Seenfrom the Great East Japan Earthquake
and the COVID-19 Response［Speaker］［Speaker］［Speaker］

Fumihiko Imamura,
Director of the International Research Institute ofDisaster Science

Toshio Suga,
Prof. at the Graduate School of Science

Hitoshi Oshitani,
Prof. at the Graduate School of Medicine◀ You can watch the online symposium here:190

https://tohokuuniversity-lessonsfrom311.com/（“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future” Homepage）

miki, Singer-songwriter［Lecture］［Discussion］

Healthcare Actions in Emergencies- Using Knowledge from the Great East Japan Earthquake
and COVID-19 Response -Supporting Life
- A New Form of Mental Health Carewith Disaster Knowledge -［Speaker］［Participants］

Tadashi Ishii, Prof. at the University Hospital

Yozo Taniyama, Asso. Prof. at the Graduate School of Arts and Letters
Yutaka Tawada, Producer at TBS◀ You can watch the online symposium here:

https://tohokuuniversity-lessonsfrom311.com/（“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future” Homepage）

191

Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future

Society
Connection

Livingwith theCommunity

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

One big topic throughout reconstruction actions was regional community regeneration

Livingand the restoration of regional industries. We thought about sustainable regional

withdevelopments and important basics for a prosperous community with 10 years worth ofDisasters
disaster knowledge and experience.

NatureLivingwith
Exploration

the communities. But we also learned a lot from the reconstruction and new technology
emerged during the process. Reconstruction is not just a recovery to the old state, but aTechnology

challenge to create a more prosperous, safer future for everybody. We thought about new
ways of exploration with 10 years worth of disaster knowledge.

Creation

Readiness

Third Online Symposium “Living with the Community”（January 2021）

The Great East Japan Earthquake brought a devastating disaster and destruction toFourth Online Symposium “Living with Exploration”（February to March 2021）

The third online symposium“Living with the Community”

results, three experts (Deputy Dean Makoto Hisada of the

The fourth online symposium was held February to

Engineering about the decommission of nuclear reactors

was published in January 2021, discussing fundamental

Graduate School of Engineering, Prof. Sinichiro Ogura fromMarch 2021 with the topic“Living with Exploration”.

and space robotics as well as students and graduates ofquestions such as“What is a regional community ? ”, seekingthe Graduate School of Agricultural Science and Director

We asked Director Yutaka Watanabe of the Center for

the fields. We thought about how to connect the spirit andanswers through interviews with people from disaster

Hiroki Takakura of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies)

Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning

knowledge of exploration to a better future for everybody

discussed future tasks and how to approach communities.

and Prof. Kazuya Yoshida from the Graduate School ofand how research will evolve with time.

Livingwithstricken areas such as Onagawa and Marumori. Based on the
Exploration
Technology

Creation［Documentary］［Documentary］

The Rugged Planet! - Adventures of Space Robots -What is a “Regional Community”?
- Onagawa ［Participants］
Yoshiaki Suda, Mayor of Onagawa
Motoyuki Takaizumi, Oyster Farmer in Onagawa
Akihiro Kijima, Prof. at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science［Documentary］

What is a “Regional Community”?

［Participant］
Kazuya Yoshida, Prof. at the Graduate School of Engineering- Marumori ［Participants］［Discussion］

Kunio Hoshina, Mayor of Marumori
Hikaru Yoshitaka, Representative of Domegi Garden & Cafe
Takashi Yamaki, Manager of Marumori Agriculture and Forestry,
Forestry Promotion
Junichi Monma, Deputy Director of General Inc. Asso.“Azudasu”

Nuclear Decommissioning - Challenges for the Future -［Discussion］

What is a “Regional Community”?
- Summary ［Participants］
Makoto Hisada, Deputy Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering
Sinichiro Ogura, Prof. at the Graduate School of Agricultural Science
Hiroki Takakura, Director of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies◀ You can watch the online symposium here:

192

https://tohokuuniversity-lessonsfrom311.com/（“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future” Homepage）［Participants］
Yutaka Watanabe, Director of the Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning
Kenji Ohwada, TEPCO◀ You can watch the online symposium here:

https://tohokuuniversity-lessonsfrom311.com/（“Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future” Homepage）

193

Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Summary

10 Year Memorial Symposium

New Communities in New Times after the Disaster- Experience and Knowledge from Reconstruction for a Better Future From March 5-11, 2021, we held the Tohoku University 10 Year Memorial Symposium “New Communities in New Times after theDisaster - Experience and Knowledge from Reconstruction for a Better Future -” (online).
as

Looking back at 10 years of Reconstruction Actions of Tohoku University, we discussed new threats and risks suchnatural disasters and infectious diseases as well as the need to establish a resilient, green society.

MEXT Minister Koichi Hagiuda, Minister for Reconstruction Katsuei Hirasawa, Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai and Sendai
City Mayor Kazuko Kori contributed online messages as special guests. As keynote speakers, President Makoto Iokibe from the Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century
Research Institute and University of Hyogo as well as Sandra Wu, Chairperson & CEO of Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd. presented their opinion on disaster reconstruction.
Furthermore, Executive Vice President Nobuyoshi Hara and President Hideo Ohno presented a summary of Tohoku University's actions and future plans at an online live
event. Additionally, YouTuber Takushi Izawa and Singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima presented “Messages to Support the Disaster Region”, showing their passion for the disaster
stricken areas and the reconstruction actions. Videos as well as the 9th edition of “Reconstruction Actions” were also published, summarizing 10 years of Tohoku University’sefforts.

10 Years of Tohoku University Reconstruction Actions

Toward a Green Future (Plans after the 11th Year)

Nobuyoshi Hara, Executive Vice President for Outreach Activity and Earthquake
Disaster Reconstruction/Director of the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction andRegeneration Research

Hideo Ohno, President of Tohoku University

After the disaster, the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research had thecentral role to promote 8 priority projects such as disaster science, regional health care as well as
decommission of nuclear reactors. Individual members also voluntarily contributed to reconstruction
actions in the framework of “Reconstruction Action 100+ ”. Based on the knowledge and experienceof these activities, interdisciplinary research and comprehensive approach became important as well as
collaborations with communities and co-creation to find solutions for critical problems.

The knowledge and experience obtained through Reconstruction Actions have essential
applications when dealing with environmental or societal problems. After the 11th year,
the accumulated wisdom will be used to realize a resilient and green future for everybody.
Furthermore, the “Green Goals Initiative” was announced as a new basis for Tohoku
University’s future actions.

During the event, more than 25,000 people participated online, showing the high interest in our activities even 10 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

［Program］

Messages from Special Guests
10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake,the participants talked about their thoughts on reconstruction and their expectations for Tohoku University in the future.

What is Tohoku University’s Green Goals Initiative?
In addition to the projects promoted by the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction and Regeneration Research objectives important to solve environmental and societal issues are included under a new,comprehensive umbrella. All projects will be reorganized into 3 pillars, “Green Technology”, “Recovery & Resilience” and “Social Innovation & Inclusion” to clarify the university’s goals to contributeto a sustainable future. We will continue to utilize the knowledge, experience and lessons of disaster reconstruction to support safe and secure communities and promote community collaboration topresent solutions to issues such as climate change as well as environmental and societal problems. Readiness for natural disasters or infectious diseases can only be achieved through the realization of a
resilient and green future not only at home but abroad.

Messages to Support the Disaster Region
Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Education,

Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Katsuei Hirasawa, Minister for
Reconstruction

Yoshihiro Murai, Miyagi Governor

Kazuko Kori, Sendai City Mayor

YouTuber Takushi Izawa and singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima, who have been engaged in their own reconstruction support activities since the disaster, sent us episodes
related to their reconstruction activities at the time of the disaster and afterwards, as well as their supportive comments for the communities.

Keynote Speakers
10 Years of Disaster Recovery- Living in Times of Megadisasters -Makoto Iokibe(President of Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute and Universityof Hyogo/former Chairperson of the Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Planning
Committee)

He spoke about the changes in Japanese society's response to recovery andreconstruction in times of hugedisasters, including the Great
Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake,the Great East Japan
Earthquake, other frequentmajor earthquakes, and therecent wind and flood disasters,
as well as how communities
should prepare for disaster risk
reduction and the importanceof international collaboration
to overcome COVID-19.

194

10 Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake andTowards 2030
- A Perspective from the Private Sector

Sandra Wu(Chairperson & CEO of Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd./Prof. at the International ResearchInstitute of Disaster Science/UN Global Compact Board Member/Global Compact
Network Japan board member)

During the speech,
she explained how therole of corporations
has changed throughthe Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Reduction
a n d w h e re Ja p a n ' s
private sector stands
internationally interms of disaster risk
reduction, as well as
how the private sector
a n d Ja p a n s h o u l dwork towards 2030.

Takushi Izawa(YouTuber/CEO QuizKnock/Personality)

Ai Kawashima(Singer-songwriter)

Presenting Reconstruction Actions
Among the "Reconstruction Actions" that Tohoku University has been working on, we
distributed a video introducing the “Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Animals," in which weare researching the effects of long-term exposure to low-dose and low-dose-rate radiation onhuman health using samples of Japanese macaques and other animals captured in the former
warning area.
Research on Effects of Radiation Exposure to the Environment and Animals

Masatoshi Suzuki, Senior Assistant Professor at the International
Research Institute of Disaster Science

195

Lessons from 3.11 - Toward the Future

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

11 Years after the Disaster
From Reconstruction Actions Toward Resilient Communities after COVID-19

Utilizing the experience and knowledge from 3.11 for the realizationof a prosperous, resilient society together with the community

Third UN World Conference

2015.03 on Disaster Risk Reduction

International Trends

Sendai Framework

2015.09 Sustainable Development Goals

2011
3.11

(SDGs)

2015.12 COP21 Paris Agreement

ーISO Standard
for Disaster
Risk Reduction2017.11 First World Bosai ForumThe Great
East Japan
Earthquake

20112011

After COVID-19 Community

3 Big Agendasof theInternational
Community

2015.03 for Disaster Risk Reduction

2019.11 Second

2019
ー

2014

2015

ー

2017

2018

2019

World Bosai Forum- Economic Reconstruction- Green Recovery- Realizing SDGs
- New Societal Systems〜 COVID-19

2020

2021

2030

2021.04
2015.07

Tohoku University Research with Social Impact
Interdisciplinary, interdepartmental research to solve importantTohoku Universityʼs Actions

2011.04

Establishment of the Institute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research. Begin Reconstruction Actions
Promoting priority research andpractical implementation towards recovery and restoration

2020.07

Green Goals Initiative
Challenges toward a future resilient against
disasters and infectious diseases,
addressing environmental and societal issues

Connected University Strategy
Challenges toward a Post-COVID-19 era

2018.112017.06

Realizations
After 3.11

196

societal issues

Tohoku University

Vision 2030

From Disaster Recovery

to Sustainability ~ Advanced Problem-Driven Research

Selection as DesignatedNational University Corporation

Comprehensive approach to realize

Tohoku Universityʼs SDGs, Realizing a resilient future addressing societal risks and issues.

Knowledge and Experience from 3.11

Spiritof University Members

Envi. & Societal Changes after 3.11

- The potential of local communities- Importance of utilizing university research seeds, etc.

- Identity

as university collaborating with communities, etc.

- Frequent disasters due to climate change- COVID-19 pandemic, etc.

197

Special Message

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action 2011- 2021

Tohoku University
Leading the Way

graduation of Tohoku University’s School of Medicine, Doctor Ken Okabe, who
did the christening of the project, devoted his life to hospice and other palliative
care, supporting those with most severe experiences. As such, he must have felt theimportance of addressing the mental state of disaster victims the most.

There was always the feeling that the dead of 3.11 where alive somewhere. That
somewhere all the dead, the children, the adults, gathered and lived happily together.
And that they would look at us saying“It’s time to cheer up again. We are fine.”
If it was so, people who lost their loved ones, their family or friends, these people
would probably feel some sort of relief... that’s what I thought.
Because as well as the recovery and reconstruction of towns and industry might beimportant, we also need to take care of the mental health of people. Every time I met
with friends, and when I heard stories from people with depression and other mental
issues, I thought to myself “The government and local administration as well as theindividual have to stand up and look at the issues of mental health. What is it I can do?”
Precisely at that time, Tohoku University launched the Interfaith Chaplains Project.

It was 2012. The role of ‘Interfaith Chaplains’ began at that moment. After his

Interfaith chaplains receive special training and become experts beyond their own
religion. Whether Buddhists or Christians, experts of their own religion become
further specialists. And of course, without any recruitment or invitation to join areligion.
I once read “The fact that Tohoku University started training Interfaith Chaplainsis good. A university without any religious color leading a national trend, that’sgood”. And that is entirely true. Nowadays, it has become a trend many universities
in many regions follow. Interfaith chaplains can help and support people in adifferent way to doctors and psychologists. That is obvious from the fact that
Tohoku University Hospital also employed a regular Interfaith Chaplain.
Then in summer 2018, I received the offer from Sendai’s TBC “Would you liketo write a drama about the 10 year memorial of 3.11”.
And immediately I said, I want to write a story where “the dead live happily
somewhere together”. The story got the title “A Festival of Little Gods” and wasturned into a drama with Yudai Chiba (from Tagajo, Miyagi) in the main role andthe comedians Sandwich-Man (from Sendai) also appearing. The fact the story
received so many awards, both nationally and internationally, made me very happy.
But more than that, disaster victims telling me that “the story gave [them]strength. That the families and everybody else is living happily” was something thatfilled me with joy.
I cannot become an Interfaith Chaplain, but I had the feeling I was at least alittle bit contributing to the mental care Tohoku University was aiming for.
(Titles, etc. are omitted.)

Makiko Uchidate

From “A Festival of Little Gods” ©TOHOKU BROADCASTING CO.,LTD.

198

Screenwriter. Born 1948 in Akita.
NHK Morning Drama “Hirari”, NHK Drama “Motonari Mori”, TBS
Drama “A Festival of Little Gods” and others. April 2003, admission
to the Master course of Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Artsand Letters. Specialization in Religious Studies, analyzing Sumo as
Shinto ritual, graduation in March 2006. President of the Sumo Clubof Tohoku University in 2005. As of April 2011, Member of the “Great
East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Committee”, contributing to therecovery of communities and the region. In March 2013, presentation
as a keynote speaker with the title “Tohoku’s Spirit, Technique andBody: How to be Japan’s Yokozuna” at the Institute for Disaster
Reconstruction and Regeneration Research Symposium

199

Tohoku University Reconstruction Action
2011-2021

Leading the Restoration of Tohoku and theRegeneration of Japan
Vol. 9Publication & Editorial:
March 2021 byInstitute for Disaster Reconstruction
and Regeneration Research
Tohoku University

2-1-1 Katahira, Aobaku, Sendai 980-8577 JAPANTEL: 022-217-5009

E-mail: skk-som@grp.tohoku.ac.jp
http://www.idrrr.tohoku.ac.jp/

Copyright © 2021 by Tohoku University200