Social innovation and disaster risk reduction in Japan: challenges and opportunities

In Japan, enhancing resilience towards disaster risk reduction (DRR) has primarily been interpreted as preparing the target population for risks within the built environment to mitigate the impact of the disasters. This approach has prioritized infrastructural safety as the prime focus of disaster management, reflecting societal needs of Japan to secure the evacuation of those affected and their accommodation in safe shelters. The longevity of the population, coupled with the issue of a declining birth rate, has made Japan increasingly vulnerable. Hazardous impacts of climate change demand social innovation in the framework of DRR and the Sustainable Development Goals in consideration of climate change adaptation. This study reviews the role of social innovation in DRR to place Japan’s case in a global context for a sustainable, resilient society. The Japanese research works on social innovation that have not been fully introduced so far are examined extensively. It critically evaluates the impact of stakeholder engagement in DRR through active grassroots engagements in Japanese society. Three case examples were examined through semi-structured in-depth interviews to assess the impact of social innovation in engaging stakeholders in civil society towards DRR by elaborating on their means and focusing on organizational, social, and individual spheres of resilience. The study finds that social innovation can be impactful in mitigating risks and enhancing resilience for DRR with a regional focus. This study contributes to the field of disaster science by highlighting the role of stakeholders in creating and ensuring a participatory and sustainable ecosystem for enhanced resilience. The existing framework of social innovation and DRR in society underscores the necessity of human interactions for effective stakeholder involvement. The conceptual framework of the study indicates that engagement of stakeholders in social innovation leads to systemic change and institutionalization of society while harnessing the principle of social inclusion.