4　原子力災害から3年目をむかえて　災害直後の社会状況と抗い

抄録

The current paper employs an Area Studies approach to examine how local people were discouraged from discussing their anxiety about low-level radiation two months after the Fukushima nuclear accident. The activities undertaken by civil society groups to counter such dynamics will be further discussed based on my personal experiences.

As a result of the disaster, a plume of radioactive materials spread over a wide area of the city of Fukushima, which is located 60 km from the nuclear power plant. However, rather than taking decisive action for protection against the radiation, the previous government implemented a “safety campaign” to ease the anxiety of local people. This campaign included the involvement of scientists, efforts to re-open schools, and a new radiation criterion of 20mSv/year. This was a reflection of governmental and bureaucratic policies that prioritized economic efficiency at the expense of the people living in disaster-affected areas. These policies focused on emphasizing “safety” when communicating with local people, but ended up discouraging the people from speaking out, taking action, and dissenting. Although there were several proactive civil society groups that supported the efforts of local people, funding, information, and authority remained a governmental prerogative. This situation has decreased the number of alternatives available to people as well as their freedom of speech.

This paper discusses several possible approaches to oppose and change the present situation. These can be undertaken by empathic individuals and groups who concern themselves with local people’ s frustrations, caused by structural violence.