growth, then Japan’s shrinking regions could become pioneers in achieving postindustrial solutions to some of the major questions facing humankind in the 21st century.
***
As the book was going to press, on 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis occurred. In response to this disaster, we have added an epilogue that details the events of March and early April 2011 and provides some initial analysis of the Japanese government’s response in terms of the dynamics of change in the T
hoku region and Japan as a whole. In addition, we provide some recommendations for recovery from the disaster in terms of the research presented in this volume. The epilogue was completed in late April 2011 and, as the crisis is ongoing, provides just a preliminary snapshot of events. We extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to all those affected and wish for a speedy recovery for the Thoku region.