Government policy change as a response to major disaster events

摘要

The 1995 Kobe earthquake mobilized almost 1.5 million volunteers. This event changed Japanese government policy relating to the establishment of not-for-profit corporation for small volunteers groups and clubs (1998). The Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 caused even greater damage than the Kobe Earthquake. Again events changed policy towards not-for-profit organisations, namely an 'Act to Amend the Income Tax Act'. This further encouraged donations and participation in NPO activities. These seemingly technical changes may herald a massive change in government attitudes and policies.