Specially Appointed Professor at Tohou UnIversity, Japanđź“–
Prof. Kozo Nagami is a Specially Appointed Professor at the Green Goals Initiative, IRIDeS, and the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University. With over 28 years of experience at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he has played a key role in international disaster recovery and risk reduction initiatives. His expertise spans policy-making for disaster resilience, sustainable development, and integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies into national and international frameworks.
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Education Background🎓
- Graduate Studies in Disaster Science & Environmental Studies, Japan
- Advanced Training in International Cooperation & Disaster Risk Reduction
Professional Experience🌱
- Specially Appointed Professor, Green Goals Initiative, IRIDeS, Tohoku University (2022–Present)
- Leading research and education on policy-making frameworks that integrate sustainable development and disaster risk reduction (DRR) for developing middle-income countries.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (1994–2022)
- Group Director, Disaster Risk Reduction (2019–2022): Oversaw global DRR initiatives.
- Disaster Recovery Operations: Led major recovery efforts for the 2004 Indonesia Tsunami, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
- International Policy Engagement: Developed frameworks to strengthen resilience in disaster-prone regions.
Research interests include:
- Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Policy Integration
- Sustainable Development & Resilient Infrastructure
- Post-Disaster Recovery & International Cooperation
Author Metrics
Publications Top Notes đź“„
1. Disaster Risk Reduction and Building Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya
- Authors: R.A. Vaidya, M.S. Shrestha, N. Nasab, D.R. Gurung, K. Nagami, N.S. Pradhan, et al.
- Published In: The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment: Mountains, Climate Change, and Sustainability
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 79
- Summary: This study examines disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience-building efforts in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, addressing climate adaptation, community resilience, and sustainable development in the face of increasing natural disasters.
2. Reconstruction of the Aceh Region Following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster: A Transportation Perspective
- Authors: R. Matsumaru, K. Nagami, K. Takeya
- Journal: IATSS Research
- Volume: 36(1)
- Pages: 11-19
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 74
- Summary: This research assesses the post-tsunami reconstruction efforts in Aceh, Indonesia, focusing on transportation infrastructure. It analyzes how roads, ports, and public transport systems were rebuilt to support long-term recovery and resilience.
3. Practical Approaches to Build Back Better with Inclusive Recovery from Earthquake Disasters: A Discussion Based on the 2015 Nepal Earthquake Recovery Project by JICA
- Authors: K. Nagami, T. Miyano, N. Nishimura, Y. Toriumi, N. Tsukahara, A. Nakamura
- Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 3
- Summary: This paper discusses methodologies for implementing “Build Back Better” (BBB) principles in post-earthquake recovery. Using the 2015 Nepal Earthquake recovery project by JICA as a case study, it highlights inclusive and sustainable reconstruction strategies.
4. Achieving “Build Back Better” in Aceh Reconstruction: Post-Disaster Community Surveys in Muraksa District (Japanese Publication)
- Authors: K. Nagami, H. Kitawaki, K. Takeya, R. Matsumaru, T. Aramaki
- Journal: Japanese Journal of Disaster Recovery Studies
- Volume: 10
- Pages: 22-31
- Year: 2017
- Citations: 3
- Summary: This Japanese-language study evaluates the “Build Back Better” reconstruction efforts in post-tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. It analyzes community feedback and settlement sustainability in relocated and rebuilt housing districts.
5. Medium to Long-term Impacts from In-situ Housing Reconstruction: Insights from Post-Disaster Surveys of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Nepal Earthquaக்ஷke
- Authors: K. Nagami, T. Miyano, M.N. Sediqi
- Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction
- DOI: 105175
- Year: 2025
- Summary: This paper explores the long-term social and economic impacts of in-situ housing reconstruction in disaster-affected regions, using post-disaster surveys from the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. The findings provide insights into housing resilience, economic recovery, and policy recommendations for future disaster response.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Kozo Nagami is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding leadership, groundbreaking research, and practical contributions to disaster science, resilience building, and sustainable recovery efforts. His work has had a lasting impact on international disaster policy and recovery and continues to shape global disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks. To solidify his recognition as a top researcher in the field, expanding his work into emerging technologies and increasing community engagement would further enhance the applicability and reach of his contributions.
Prof. Nagami’s global influence in disaster risk reduction and post-disaster recovery makes him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.