The role of reconstruction planning and shop owners’ contribution in the post-war transformation and revival of vitality in Hiroshima Hondōri Shōtengai

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of the Pacific War, Japan launched a national effort to rebuild war-damaged areas in over a hundred cities. One unique example is the reconstruction of Hiroshima after the atomic bombing and its revival as a peace memorial city despite the city-wide destruction. While Hiroshima was able to restore vitality to its once-razed city centre, more recent reconstruction cases, especially neoliberal ones, have failed to do so. Therefore, this study analyses planning and historical documents to clarify the roles of pre-war shop owners and local planning authorities which were involved in the reconstruction of Hiroshima Hondōri Commercial Street and highlights their contributions to the revival of the street’s vitality. The study utilised field and archival surveys to trace the post-transformation and rebuilding of shops in Hiroshima Hondōri Commercial Street after the atomic bombing. Based on that, the post-war planning maintained Hondōri’s function and structure, shop owners from pre-war time have contributed to the reconstruction by joining planning deliberation meetings and organising themselves to encourage the return of businesses and visitors. The findings of this study highlight the role of reconstruction planning and local citizens’ initiatives in restoring livelihood to war-torn areas.