Natural disasters and social capital formation: The impact of the G reat H anshin‐ A waji earthquake

The G reat H anshin‐ A waji ( K obe) earthquake struck J apan in 1995, causing devastating damage to the economic landscape of S outh‐central J apan. This study investigates how the earthquake enhanced participation in community activity. The key findings are: ( i ) people were more likely to participate in community activities in 1996 than in 1991; ( ii ) the effects of the earthquake on community participation decreased as the distance of one's place of residence increased from K obe; and ( iii ) the earthquake significantly increased the community participation rate of K obe residents, whereas it had no significant influence on the investment rate of residents of large cities close to K obe.