Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
acceptance of a nuclear-centric energy policy. his has resulted in a unique
phenomenon in Japan where public perception of energy policy priorities
is remarkably congruent with existing government energy policy. A recent
study into energy policy perspectives in 10 nations revealed that Japan
exhibited far and away the highest level of public accord when it came to pri-
oritizing national energy goals. he study revealed that the Japanese pub-
lic viewed the highest energy priority to be securing adequate supplies of
oil, gas, coal, and uranium. he respondents highlighted the need to reduce
GHG emissions as the second priority and the need to enhance research
and development on new and innovative energy technologies as the third
priority.
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In regard to nuclear power, prior to the Fukushima disaster the general
public appeared to be acquiescent to the notion that nuclear power develop-
ment was a necessary evil for Japanese industry to maintain international
competitiveness. For example, a 2007 Japanese public opinion poll in Japan
indicated that 53% were in favor of maintaining status quo and 13% were in
favor of expanding the nuclear power program. Interestingly, in April 2011,
another poll conducted by the Asahi Newspaper reported that 51% of the
respondents wanted to maintain status quo and 5% supported an expan-
sion of nuclear power.
50
To summarize, prior to Fukushima 66% of respon-
dents were in favor of maintaining or bolstering nuclear power capacity;
immediately after the world's second-largest nuclear power disaster, there
were still 56% in favor of maintaining or bolstering nuclear power capacity.
he 2011 Asahi poll did report that 89% of the respondents expressed
some unease (33%) or much unease (56%) in regard to the Fukushima inci-
dent.
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Directly after the Fukushima disaster, in other words, it was clear that
sensitivities toward nuclear power had become ampliied and further infor-
mation might sway public opinion, one way or another. his has happened.
Since the Fukushima disaster, the industry has been subject to much more
media scrutiny, which in turn has enhanced awareness of the shortcomings
of nuclear power governance, leading to a dip in public support for nuclear
power. Criticisms over a lax safety culture within TEPCO and the inade-
quacy of government oversight have featured prominently in analyses of the
Fukushima disaster. Consequently, a November 2011 poll by NHK revealed
that 70% of respondents wanted nuclear power to be either eliminated or
signiicantly reduced.
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Additionally, those who are opposed to nuclear power
have become more assertive. his is exempliied by the Occupy Kasumigaseki
anti-nuclear protests in front of the prime minister's oicial residence in
Tokyo. At its peak, the Friday protests attracted over 200,000 people.
53
Generally, support for renewable energy is consistent with sociocul-
tural beliefs. he majority of Japanese adhere to Shinto ideology, which is
