Public Opinion on Nuclear Power Generation Measured in Continuous Polls
Changes After Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident over the Past 30 Years

Abstract

  In this study, the results of surveys conducted over the past 30 years were analyzed. The surveys include continuous opinion polls conducted by seven organizations, those conducted by eight news media one year after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, and those conducted by INSS fourteen times from 1993 to December 2011. The results were as follows: (1) Negative opinions toward nuclear power generation (NPG) suggesting “abolition or reduction”, which used to be 20-30% over the past 30 years, increased to 70% from four to six months after the accident, when there was also much news about renewable energy. (2) Even after the accident, 60% regarded NPG as “inevitable”, but many opposed future replacement or new construction of NPG facilities. (3) After the accident, recognition of the usefulness of NPG and concerns about electric power shortages in the near future remained unchanged, while anxiety and distrust toward NPG increased significantly. When considering power generation options, people now tend to focus on accident risks. (4) Nevertheless, people are neither aware of various possible problems caused by reducing NPG nor willing to accept a significant increase in electricity rate caused by the shift to renewable energy.