Following the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan has embarked on one of the most ambitious and controversial coastal defense projects in its history. Combining massive concrete sea walls with large-scale reforestation efforts, the nation has created a “tsunami shield” to protect its vulnerable coastline.
The core of this defense is a massive network of seawalls, often referred to as “The Great Wall of Japan,” spanning approximately 395 kilometers (245 miles) along the northeastern coast. In many places, these walls stand up to 15.5 meters (50 feet) high, a towering concrete barrier designed to dissipate the energy of incoming waves and buy precious minutes for evacuation.
However, the project is not without its critics. Opponents argue that the walls are a false promise of security, noting that many similar structures were overwhelmed by the 2011 tsunami. They also point to the significant environmental and social costs, claiming the walls obstruct ocean views, disrupt local fishing industries, and alter coastal ecosystems.
In a move to create a multi-layered defense and address some of these concerns, the Japanese government has also invested in a nature-powered solution. The plan involves planting millions of trees, with a target of 9 million, to create coastal forests. While they cannot stop a massive tsunami on their own, these forests, particularly species with dense, strong root systems, can reduce the speed and destructive force of a tsunami by as much as 30%. They also help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
This two-pronged approach—a blend of modern engineering and natural infrastructure—reflects Japan’s complex and often contradictory relationship with its natural environment. It represents a massive financial and social investment in the hope that a combination of concrete fortitude and natural resilience can protect its citizens from future seismic events.
