Local Government and Crisis Management in Japan

This chapter examines how Japanese local governments manage crises and disasters with limited resources. Local governments in Japan are primarily responsible for disaster management and resource mobilization. However, the decentralized approach faces significant challenges due to depopulation, an aging society, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter addresses the following questions: How should the scarcity and uneven distribution of resources be managed? How do local governments collaborate with other local governments and sectors in crisis management? To answer these questions in line with the concept of collaborative management, the chapter analyzes the institutional and collaborative aspects of crisis management through qualitative analysis using multiple case studies. The analysis reveals that Japanese local governments extensively use inter-municipal cooperation mechanisms, such as agreements, fire districts, and nationwide rescue teams, to address resource limitations. They also seek collaboration with other local entities, including private companies, community groups, and civic sectors. In light of COVID-19 and demographic shifts, there is an increasing expectation for enhanced vertical collaboration among local governments and with the central government. Effective and sustainable crisis management by local governments necessitates both horizontal cooperation with the private and civic sectors and vertical cooperation with the central government to ensure the effectiveness of their efforts.