Enhancing Disaster Resilience for Sustainable Urban Development: Public–Private Partnerships in Japan

Abstract

A resilient building environment is crucial for securing sustainable development in urban areas, as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal 11 stresses. In developing countries in particular, the risk of disasters is increasing due to the poorly built environment caused by urbanization. However, building disaster resilience in vulnerable urban environments characterized by aging houses, limited public spaces, and complex land rights and tenancy issues poses a major challenge. This study aims to identify critical factors influencing effective disaster-resilient urban development by examining Japan’s experience, with a focus on approaches facilitating public–private partnerships. Driven by disasters like the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, Japan has promoted innovative strategies to improve urban resilience and mitigate disaster impacts. The Disaster Mitigation Zone Implementation Program represents a novel program designed to revitalize densely populated areas with aging wooden structures highly vulnerable to disasters. Through semi-structured interviews, a literature review, and an in-depth case study in Tokyo, this research analyzes the development and effectiveness of this targeted redevelopment approach. Findings underscore the pivotal role of policies promoting public–private collaboration, consensus-building mechanisms among stakeholders, flexibility in project formulation, and financial incentives via government subsidies. Engaging the private sector ensures project feasibility through urban development expertise, while simpler, smaller-scale projects attract greater private investment. Japan’s experience offers valuable insights into collaborative, context-sensitive strategies for enhancing urban disaster resilience through targeted redevelopment of high-risk areas.