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A Study on Shift in Japan’s Nuclear Policy and Future Challenges

  • Public Land Law Review
  • Abbr : KPLLR
  • 2015, 71(), pp.313-334
  • Publisher : Korean Public Land Law Association
  • Research Area : Social Science > Law

Jang Kyo-Sik 1

1건국대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This year, there have been heated dispute and debate over a nuclear power plant. In fact, nothing has been easy including the shutdown of KORI-1 and nomination of a candidate site for a new nuclear plant due to strong resistance from the locals. In Japan as well, there was a fierce dispute over nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster. Despite a shift in nuclear policies, the conflict still exists. Therefore, this study investigated the current status of nuclear power generation and plant in Japan and reviewed shift in Japan’s nuclear policies since the Fukushima nuclear accident. Then, the implications of the development of nuclear power and its policies and solutions were searched. In particular, changes in Japan’s nuclear power systems have a significant implication on the Republic of Korea in that South Korea’s nuclear act is developed based on Japanese and U.S. laws. After going through diverse disasters such as radiation leaks from nuclear power ship ‘Mutsu,’ JCO criticality accident and Fukushima nuclear accident, Japan’s nuclear policies have been amended and improved repeatedly. We also need to review our nuclear policies because we are as heavily dependent on nuclear energy as Japan. In addition, Japan’s policy to nurture nuclear power companies and industries by restarting nuclear reactors could be a threat and opportunity to our companies and industries. Therefore, it is important to closely watch the trend of related industries. Meanwhile, Japan’s nuclear administrative procedures are systematic and well organized from the selection of a nuclear site to its shutdown. Since a nuclear accident can be catastrophic once it occurs, strict control and supervision are essential. In other words, thorough administrative regulations are required as well. Whenever corruption over nuclear scandal is reported, therefore, we become very concerned about the control and supervision of nuclear power. From this aspect, Japan’s nuclear power control & supervision system could be a good example for us. In addition, it is important to look for diverse ways to accept public opinions to calm people’s anxiety ad concern. In Japan, whenever a large-scale accident takes place, citizens’ thoughts were heard through the repetition of a session. In addition, there have been a debate on major controversies, and a revised draft has been submitted. This kind of acceptance of diverse opinions in Japan sends a meaningful message to the Republic of Korea where key issues are discussed among few experts and high-rank officials only. Because technology-engineering and socially valuable issues are handled in a nuclear power sector, a scientific ground is derived by forming a mutual consent and empathy among experts. Then, a social consent should be obtained in a way to maximize democracy, rationality and efficiency in making a social decision.

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