The role of Japan’s agricultural restoration councils during natural disasters: a case study of water withdrawal restrictions due to the 2018 Mt. Iwo eruption

Abstract

Throughout Japan, municipalities, agricultural cooperatives, agricultural committees, and farmers responsible for rice production adjustment have organized agricultural revitalization councils (ARCs), which are the driving force behind rice production adjustment. ARCs have been formed in rural areas against the backdrop of agricultural policies such as the prolonged rice production adjustment policy. The Japanese government provides subsidies for rice paddy crop rotation. Although the nominal purpose of these subsidies is to promote rice production, they are, in effect, subsidies to encourage rice production adjustment. This study aims to determine the role of Japan’s ARC, the actual decision-making body for these subsidies, during natural disasters. I conducted a case study analysis of two cities and one town that experienced water withdrawal restrictions due to the eruption of Mt. Iwo. On the basis of data provided by the ARC and interviews with administrative staff, I analyzed the role of the council and the characteristics of its response to the disaster through the establishment of production area subsidies. The councils were identified as having three roles in response to the disaster. First, it was confirmed that an ARC could serve as a decision-making forum for complicated water rights. Second, the government’s disaster response measures include the use of the national production area subsidy, and ARCs have been quick to provide financial support from the government without having to change the system. Third, regarding rice supply–demand adjustments, ARCs encouraged farmers to temporarily shift from growing other crops to cultivating rice in areas other than the disaster-stricken fields.