Roles of Leisure in the Post-Disaster Psychological Recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

The roles of leisure have been significantly underexplored in postdisaster psychological recovery contexts. In this study, we explore this topic through a case study of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami (GEJE). In July 2012, in-depth interviews were conducted with both survivors and disaster volunteers to examine postdisaster life. A culturally unique term tanoshimi was used in the interviews, which means fun or hobby. The interview data suggested that tanoshimi served as both emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies, and that it became meaningful for survivors as an opportunity to explore new purpose in life, a source of normalcy and continuity, and a context to express personal transformation. The findings are discussed in relation to leisure-based stress coping, transcendence of negative life events, and Japanese cultural influences. Potential implications of leisure research to disaster relief are suggested.