Strategic Approaches for a Sustainable Future in an Earthquake Zone: A Comparison Between Japan and Türkiye

Abstract

Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, has long implemented a value-based urban development strategy known as Land Readjustment (LR), or Tochi Kukaku Seiri. This model uses scientific valuation methods to ensure that land values are fairly calculated and redistributed before and after urban development. It aims to reduce earthquake risks, promote social justice, and support economic sustainability. In Japan, LR is strengthened through transparency, public participation, GIS-based digital maps, and AI-supported analysis—making the process more effective in building resilient cities. In Türkiye, the need for value-based regulations has increased, especially after the 1999 Marmara Earthquake and the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Although the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has launched some pilot applications, a comprehensive and holistic policy transformation has not yet taken place. In Japan, these processes have been made more effective through CBS-based digital maps, artificial intelligence-supported analyses, and mechanisms based on public participation. The study compares the LR policies of Japan and Türkiye in terms of their historical, legal, technical, and social dimensions. The findings reveal that Japan's value-based, participatory, and transparent approach can serve as a guide for Türkiye. It has been observed that Türkiye's current system, which is based on equal proportional cuts, is insufficient in terms of sustainability due to social injustices and limited transparency. In conclusion, value-based standards adapted from Japan could make significant contributions to ensuring social justice, strengthening economic sustainability, and building resilient cities in Türkiye's post-disaster urban transformation processes.