The National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA) developed indexes for recovery and reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake to
enable a comprehensive understanding of the status of recovery and reconstruction
efforts.

A review of the changes in the indexes from the date of the earthquake to March
2013 shows that in each of the three prefectures under consideration, there has
been a slow but progressive recovery of basic infrastructure. While differences can
be observed in the level of progress made by individual cities, towns and villages,
these are chiefly differences in the status of recovery of rail systems and the
treatment of debris.

With regard to the status of economic activity, including production, consumption,
and distribution, there are differences in progress between the three prefectures,
with recovery lagging behind in Fukushima Prefecture, for example.

In addition, the proportion of elderly people living by themselves in emergency
temporary housing has increased, and women are experiencing stress in caring for
children and in seeking employment. Significant problems are still being faced in
daily life in the region struck by the earthquake and tsunami, and these problems
demand detailed analysis and response.