Thirty years have passed since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, often referred to as “the birthplace of volunteerism” in Japan. Today, it is common to see volunteers involved in the recovery and reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas. On the other hand, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024 has raised various issues, including moves by the government to restrict the activities of volunteers. What is the role of volunteers in disaster-stricken areas? We interviewed Professor MATSUOKA from the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, who as a specialist in social education continues to do research on and practice community empowerment.

After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, you have continued to interview volunteers in various disaster areas. What were your impressions?

Matsuoka:

I was appointed to Kobe University in 1996, the year after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. My research has focused on the role of volunteers in Kobe’s recovery process, and I have learned a lot from the people involved in these activities.

In simple terms, the disaster-stricken areas of the Hanshin-Awaji region (which extends across Kobe from east to west) were “bustling.” Many people came to Kobe, wanting to be a part of it. While the victims must have harbored various emotions, there was a sense of hope embodied in the presence of so many volunteers.

However, since around the time the “Law concerning the promotion of specific non-profit organization activities” was enacted in 1998, there has been a growing trend to prioritize the improvement of nonprofit organizations, and nonprofits have been seeking to work with government and business to raise funds to create a win-win relationship.

Volunteers are connected through their weakness. Each one may lack something, but they complement each other’s weaknesses and act in networks. During the Hanshin-Awaji disaster, this networking was very important. On the other hand, when the emphasis is on organization, only the strengths of each individual are required, and only those with certain skills can participate.

When it comes to volunteering, what’s important is having a heart that says, “I don’t know what I can do, but I am concerned about the disaster area.” It’s not about the quality of one’s skills.

You’ve also been continually visiting the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Matsuoka:

I have been involved with a district called Akasaki in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. After the disaster, we established the 3.11 Reconstruction Support for Ofunato Work Camp Project centered around students at the Action Research Center for Human and Community Development of the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, and later activities continued under different names. Currently, it operates as part of the “ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Platform WILL,” with participation from various individuals inside and outside the university.

Specifically, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment and the Akasaki Commun