101 East

Fukushima Fallout

As the first anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster approaches, we examine Japan’s contradictory energy policies.

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake unleashed a devastating tsunami destroying whole Japanese towns and villages. It also hit the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, damaging four reactors and leaking radiation.

As the toxic fallout affects health, safety and morale, Japan faces its biggest-ever backlash towards nuclear power.

Anti-nuclear activism in Japan has been on the rise with a call for a change in energy policies. And from being the world’s third-highest user of nuclear energy, the country now has only five of its 54 reactors working.

But have Japan’s energy policies changed?

From parliamentary plans to sell nuclear plants abroad, to lengthening the time-span of its oldest reactors by 20 years, 101 East explores Japan’s contradictory energy strategies.

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101 East airs each week at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.

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