Japanese Experience of Involuntary Resettlement: Long-Term Consequences of Resettlement for the Construction of the Ikawa Dam

摘要

Involuntary resettlement undertaken for dam construction, especially in developing countries, is often severely criticized. This study reviewed the experience and long-term consequences of involuntary resettlement in Japan. The resettlers of Ikawa Dam, who moved and settled into newly developed resettlement areas, were interviewed 50 years after their resettlement. The results of the interviews revealed the following: (i) Resettlers' motives behind their choices were diverse, (ii) Although the community currently suffers from depopulation and aging, many resettlers are satisfied with their choices and livelihood. (iii) The main reason for their satisfaction lies in the successful upbringing of their children or next generation. It is argued that future resettlement programmes require adequate attention to resettlers' voluntary choice and their far-sightedness in considering the next generation.