American aid to Japan Following the 3.11 Disaster

Abstract

This paper analyses American humanitarian aid to Japan following the 3.11 Disaster, including what were the motivations for America to give, who were involved in giving and how they gave. It also looks at characteristics of the contribution made by different parties of the country. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred on 11 March 2011 is the largest earthquake ever to hit Japan as well as the fourth most powerful earthquake in the world since modern recordkeeping began. The United States gave the largest amount of overseas disaster aid to Japan. It is also the largest source of private donations to Japan after the disaster. Givers included various agencies of the government to members of the general public, businesses to non-governmental organizations. This paper explores the factors behind why the United States gave so much humanitarian aid to Japan, the world’s third largest economy, after the 3.11 Disaster. Although individuals often have their personal reasons to give, there is an important reason for the United States to give so much to Japan as a country - Japan matters for America. Even though Japan is a highly developed country that may not need foreign assistance, the Americans believed that they should contribute to the relief effort to show their presence. Although the giving of the American citizens was more like an emotional behaviour, the American government’s giving was calculating.