Economic Analysis Of Population Migration Factors Caused By The Great East Japan Earthquake And Tsunami

Abstract

Population outflow is one of the greatest challenges faced in the areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. This study developed a location choice model to analyze the factors underlying population migration in the disaster areas. Individual data was collected from residents who were living in disaster areas at the time of the earthquake and tsunami. The main factors of location choice behavior, suggested by the estimation result, were residential social networks, severity of damage, and greater income opportunities in new locations. The results also suggested that high income and younger age are factors of ordinary out†migration from these areas, regardless of the occurrence of a disaster. However, residence in a municipality with a small population that offers limited employment opportunities is a particular factor that accelerates out†migration when that area is impacted by a disaster.