ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster combined with the Japanese government’s relationships with the electric utilities and the public to influence Japanese energy policy, the policymaking process, and energy system resilience. The analysis of relationships examines the influence of the evolution of these groups’ resilience priorities and risk perceptions after the Fukushima accident occurred. Employing interview data, public opinion polls and government documents, the chapter examines the combined effects of all of these factors on changes to Japan’s energy policy and the policymaking process. The data reflects continued shifts in the Japanese government’s internal relationships, as well as relationships with the electric utilities and the public. Public distrust and rising regulator clout have combined with evolving economic, engineering, and socio-ecological resilience priorities, including decarbonization goals. This effect has generated a nuanced trajectory for nuclear power, coal, renewables and energy efficiency policies, as well as the energy policymaking process.
