On symbiotic nuclear power: a test for feasibility of comprehensive national energy policy of Japan

This paper examines ambivalent attitudes of the Japanese toward nuclear power and shows that despite great benefits nuclear power plants may bring to local governments and people, the Japanese have become more sensitive to risks of nuclear related facilities than to their benefits in a post Chernobyl period. In this light, the usefulness and limitations of economic incentives are analyzed. Third, the importance of particular institutional arrangements is discussed with respect to development 'symbiotic' schemes for nuclear power plants and people in neighboring communities. These 'symbiotic' schemes have dual purposes: to make a wider and more flexible use of the site space for developing local industries, and to raise the quality of life by improving the socio-economic infrastructure and social welfare. 6 refs., 1 fig