In addition, the national and prefectural governments are working on setting up plants to address particular concerns regarding the shortage of raw concrete.

### Section 6 Reconstruction, Revitalization and Etc. of Fukushima

After the occurrence of Tokyo Electric Power Fukushima No.1 Nuclear Reactor accident, the number of refugees from the evacuation zones was approximately 81,000 individuals, while the total number of refugees in the Fukushima prefecture including self-imposed evacuees climbed to approximately 135,000 individuals as of March, 2014 (according to studies by the Reconstruction Agency). Considering that the review of the evacuation directed areas was completed by August 2013, and that the evacuation directive was lifted from the Tamura City on April 1, 2014, the national government must now work on the recovery of infrastructures and daily living-related services in other municipalities, speeding up the progress in decontamination work, and expanding and improving the support provided for people starting over their lives and the early return support measures, so that the residents and local governments can begin to take new steps towards their future. The MLIT strives to actualize the soonest possible return of those in evacuation through efforts such as reconstructing infrastructures, implementing measures for the toll-free use of expressways for refugees, and overcoming harmful rumors, in accordance with the “Early Return and Resettlement Plan,” established in March 2013, and the “Speeding Up of Recovering Fukushima from the Effects of the Nuclear Accident,” which was approved by the cabinet in December of the same year.

## Section 7 Developing Tsunami-resistant Communities learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, “Act concerning the Development of Tsunami Resistant Communities” was enacted and enforced in December of 2011. According to the principle of “Human life is most important,” this law promotes a development of tsunami-resistant communities based on the concept of multiple defenses which combines infrastructure development and other forms of measures targeting the largest class tsunami.

In 2012, the MLIT provided technical advice related to the enactment of the aforementioned law to support local governments in building communities resistant to tsunamis, and published guidance documents regarding the settings for tsunami flood measurement. We also established a consultation service for inquiries related to tsunami flood suppositions and exchanged opinions between municipalities.

As a result, since August 2012, tsunami flood suppositions for maximum level tsunami occurrences have been published for 17 prefectures (as of March 2014). In addition, in March 2014, for the first time nation-wide, a damage potential zone was specified for Tokushima prefecture, and a plan (Promotion Plan) was formulated to promote the overall tsunami-resistant community development for Yaizu City, Shizuoka.

In the disaster stricken areas, recovery efforts have been promoted by utilizing “Act concerning the Development of Tsunami Resistant Communities.” For example, 18 city planning districts of “Collective Facilities Forming Tsunami-resistant Urban District”, including Shizugawa district in Minamisanriku Town, have decided as of March 2014.

By maximum use of existing public and private facilities and relevant tsunami-resistant measures, the MLIT will actively put forward developing tsunami-resistant communities in order to protect the lives of citizens.