Resilience and Recovery−Utilizing the Japan Assessment of Disaster Risks and Ecosystem Services (J-ADRES) Tool to Address Land Use and Infrastructure Challenges in Japan

In this chapter, we try to explore the intricate difficulties and potential solutions concerning land use and social infrastructure management in Japan, by considering factors governing these issues such as the aging population, obsolete infrastructure, and intensified frequency and severity of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. We also emphasize how Japan is witnessing a shift in focus from rapid economic growth to a more sustainable approach centered on disaster risk reduction and environmentally conscious land use development. Additionally, we have highlighted the issue of escalating the costs of maintaining and replacing Japan's social infrastructure, which was primarily constructed 30–40 years ago, and how these costs have been further exacerbated by declining tax revenue as a result of the country's population decline. Our discussion also encompasses the growing emphasis on green infrastructure as a versatile and practical strategy that can leverage ecosystem services to mitigate disaster risks, as exemplified by the time-proven Kasumitei approach. The potential of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) strategies and the application of Japan’s Assessment of Land Use based on the Disaster Risks and Ecosystem Services (J-ADRES) tool as an effective tool for assessing and planning land use that prioritizes the preservation of natural resources while safeguarding individuals has also been exemplified by presenting a case study of Nara. We propose that Japan can advocate for an integrated approach that harmonizes traditional knowledge with modern technologies, ultimately ensuring a resilient and sustainable future by re-evaluating current land use policies to address the challenges posed by demographic shifts and climate change.