Ideology, Society, and the Origins of Nuclear Power in Japan

Abstract

In light of events at the Daiichi nuclear plant this paper discusses the origins of nuclear power in Japan. These origins lie in a confluence of forces: strategic, economic and cultural. Drawing inspiration from the work of Antonio Gramsci, the paper considers the operation of these forces through an historical lens, with an emphasis on Japan's transition from feudalism to capitalism; the emergence of imperialism and ultra-nationalism; the post-surrender occupation of Japan by the United States; and the post-Occupation debate over nuclear power. Gramscian analysis highlights the key role of both the state and civil society in the promotion of science and technology as a tool of economic growth and as a symbol of national autonomy. The article suggests that -despite the Fukushima tragedy -Japan will continue to develop its nuclear industry for many years to come. This is the case not only because of ongoing strategic concerns and the power of the 'nuclear village', but also because the ideology of techno-nationalism is deeply ingrained within and throughout Japanese society.The radiation leak suffered by Japan on 11 March 2011 will have long-term repercussions, both domestically and globally. A number of governments -most prominently the Federal Republic of Germany -were quick to announce reviews of their nuclear programmes as a consequence of the radiation leak at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and the decision taken by the Japanese government to scale back its plans for nuclear expansion will have important demonstration effects elsewhere.

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“…In this period, various technological breakthroughs were made by government researchers and those affiliated with large Japanese corporations such as Sony, Sharp, and Casio, including the improvement or development of fundamental technologies such as transistors, semiconductors, processors, lasers, and fibre optics (Soh-VEHE n.d.;IPSJ n.d.;Odagiri and Goto 1996), alongside consumer-facing technologies such as CDs, cameras (Nikon n.d.), turntables, synthesisers (Blashill 2002), and portable music players like the Walkman (Sony n.d.). In a continuation of pre-war (Samuels 1994;Kelly 2015) and wartime (Moore 2013) attitudes toward technological development, this concurrent explosion of technological and economic development in the post-war period led both the state and many of the Japanese people to embrace technology and associate it with national development.…”

“…As discussed in chapter two, much of this literature situates the Meiji period and the resulting governmental initiatives as the origin point for contemporary Japanese attitudes toward technology (Yamamura. Ikari, and Kenmochi 2013;Kelly 2015), with some authors in this area arguing this set the stage for a "technonationalis[t]" fusing of technology and the state (Samuels 1994;Edgerton 2007;Nakayama 2012;Yarime 2015). Such historical accounts of the relationship between technology and rapid development take on greater intranational salience and 'legitimacy' when considering the impact Japan had on other Asian nations.…”

“…Here I refer to the Meiji period, which is often cited -somewhat contentiously (Morris-Suzuki 1994) -as the beginning of 'modern' Japan. Of relevance are scholarly works on the "techno-nationalis[t]"(Samuels 1994; Edgerton 2007;Nakayama 2012) entanglement of technology and the state(Kelly 2015;Yarime 2015;Meade 2015;Matsumoto 1996), and sweeping changes in social, educational, and economic policy(Hellyer and Fuess 2020;Jansen 1986;al-Khaizaran 2011;Cross 1996).…”