Japan will soon be embarking on an extensive post-disaster reconstruction programme in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami. Dr Richard Haigh and Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga, from the Centre for Disaster Resilience, School of the Built Environment here at the University, are all too familiar with the challenges facing the country in the coming months and years. Much of their recent research enabled them to witness the devastating impact of the 2004 Asian Ocean Tsunami, particularly in Sri Lanka. However, as Richard and Dilanthi emphasise in their soon to be released book, the post-disaster period also offers a window of opportunity to tackle disaster risk in the affected areas and confront underlying problems in the local economy