A study on the role of Japanese public bathhouses in Kobe as community spots for both disaster mitigation and social service 神戸市の銭湯における防災と福祉面での役割に関する研究(B.被災者の自立と社会的支援,ポスター発表)

Abstract

Generally Japanese public bathhouse "Sentoh" is partially independent from lifeline service such as water and gas. Some "Sentoh" can get water from their own well and they normally use oil or woods as fuel. So "Sentoh" could provide valuable bath service or water supply for residents in affected area of Kobe Earthquake. In spite of the significance of "Sentoh" in Kobe city decreased drastically and half of "Sentoh" had closed after Kobe Earthquake. Then we remarked social service program called "Fureai Yokujo" for "Sentoh". There's a subsidy from local government both its management and building adaptation work for elderly or handicapped. Hearing research against managers of "Sentoh" and its customers were earried out in Hyogo and Nagata Ward of Kobe. The results are described. in this paper.