Post-Crisis Japanese Nuclear Policy: From Top-Down Directives to Bottom-Up Activism

Asia Pacific Issues Working Paper No. 103

12 Pages Posted: 11 Jan 2012

See all articles by Daniel P. Aldrich

Daniel P. Aldrich

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program

Date Written: January 10, 2012

Abstract

Over the past fifty years, Japan has developed one of the most advanced commercial nuclear power programs in the world. This is largely due to the government’s broad repertoire of policy instruments that have helped further its nuclear power goals. These top-down directives have resulted in the construction of 54 plants and at least the appearance of widespread support for nuclear power. By the 1990s, however, this carefully cultivated public support was beginning to break apart. And following the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011 and resulting nuclear crisis in the Fukushima nuclear complex, the political and social landscape for energy in Japan has been dramatically altered. The crisis has raised and reinforced environmental concerns and health fears, as well as skepticism about information from government and corporate sources. A civil society that for decades has appeared weak and nonpartcipatory has awakened and citizens are carrying out bottom-up responses to the accident, effecting change with grassroots science and activism.

Keywords: Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, Japan, nuclear disaster, civil society, recovery

Suggested Citation

Aldrich, Daniel P., Post-Crisis Japanese Nuclear Policy: From Top-Down Directives to Bottom-Up Activism (January 10, 2012). Asia Pacific Issues Working Paper No. 103, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1982646

Daniel P. Aldrich (Contact Author)

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program ( email )

360 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115
United States

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