January 2012

Attitudes towards Nuclear Power Plants after Experiencing the Serious Accident and a “Summer of Energy Saving”

From the Survey on Nuclear Power Plants and Energy

Miki Masaki

Even in November 2011, eight months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster, approximately 80,000 residents of the surrounding area are forced to evacuate. During the summer, the government called for saving electricity due to fear of power shortage. Based on the telephone surveys conducted by the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute’s Public Opinion Research team in June, August, and October, 2011, the author explores the attitudes towards nuclear power plants or electricity of people after experiencing the nuclear accident in Fukushima and a “summer of energy saving” as well as changes in anxiety and sense of trust that may determine the attitude.

As to a question “What should be done for the nuclear power plants in Japan?” the October survey revealed that “reduce the number of plants” was most supported (42%), followed by “abolish the all plants” (24%), “maintain the status quo” (23%) and “increase the number” (2%); two out of tree respondents were negative about the use of nuclear power plants (with “reduce” and “abolish” combined.) The percentage of those choosing “abolish” has slightly increased compared to the June survey.

Regarding “concern over nuclear accidents,” the greatest number (49%) of the respondents answered that they are “very much anxious.” In all three surveys, the majority (about 90%) of the respondents are “anxious (very much or somewhat),” with no change in the result. As to whether “they trust the national government’s safety planning regarding nuclear power plants,” about 70% said they “do not trust it (much + at all)” in all three surveys, showing a low level of public trust. Attitudes towards nuclear power plants differ depending on whether “concern” or “trust” exists.

The October survey included a question regarding the energy saving during the summer. The majority of people (89%, nationwide) “made (a lot of or some) efforts to save electricity.” As to whether they “should change their lifestyles to reduce electricity consumption even it creates inconvenience,” “yeas” has decreased and “nays” has slightly increased in October than in June. After spend a summer where many people tried to save electricity, those who do not want to use less electricity at the price of convenience.

The government that had been promoting nuclear power generation has been emphasizing on “stable supply of electricity” and “low cost” as its advantages. However, the majority of the respondents (about 60%) are negative about nuclear power plants, regardless of whether they prioritize “stable supply” or “low cost” regarding power generation.

The NHK Monthly Report on Broadcast Research