Should the towns in Northern Japan rebuild?

The Tohoku region in Northern Japan suffered years of economic blight before last month's powerful earthquake and tsunami, and in their aftermath, some experts are wondering if those towns may ever recover from the disaster. Robert Mason, associate professor of geography and urban studies at Temple, thinks they will, and that the region could become even better. "Here's a tremendous opportunity to create a more attractive Tohoku, one that moves away from the concrete state," he said. "What's required is a measured approach of 'What should we rebuild, [and] where should we rebuild?'"
April 10, 2011 | Bloomberg