Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown
A Disaster “Made In Japan”
By: Patricia Swann
Case Study Follow Up Questions
1. How dependent is Japan on nuclear power for electricity?
Japan is the third largest consumer of nuclear power and currently, 13 percent of Japan’s energy comes from nuclear plants across the span of islands.
2. What were some of the early warnings that Japan’s nuclear power plants may not be as safe as some thought?
Japan’s nuclear power plants were warned about a variety of factors that could make them extremely unsafe for the communities they are in. A few of these warnings were the fact that all the plants were in high seismic activity areas and tsunamis of certain heights could cause unimaginable damage to the nuclear plants and communities.
3. What is the role of the press (kasha) clubs in Japan? How does this prevent investigative reporting on sensitive subjects?
Press clubs in Japan are large groups of news organizations that receive news from a single source and most of these clubs are sponsored or supported by funds from large corporations including the nuclear corporations. Being a part of these press clubs can be expensive and many are very exclusive. Many don’t even allow foreign press members. The problem with these press clubs is that it prevents investigative journalism because journalists are nervous to anger the large corporations or press clubs. Asking the wrong question could mean extremely negative results for a journalist or news source.
4. How does the phrase memo-awase, which means, “share what’s in your memos,” impact Japanese journalism?
Sharing notes creates a groupthink approach to reporting and this creates a streamlined, one-sided story that then gets reported out to the public. This can create confusion as to what is really going on and what details are getting left out.
5. How did some traditional Japanese values contribute to the communication problems during the crisis?
In Japan there is a huge cultural concept of “saving face” and not being the first to admit guilt for fear of shame and embarrassment. This cultural value was definitely present much of the information and news released by the large corporations and Japanese government.
6. What did critics say was the real reason TEPCO was not prepared and did not respond appropriately to the crisis?
Critics stated that TEPCO had extremely cozy relationships with nuclear regulatory companies and the Japanese government that made change or precautionary measures as well as clear and honest communication during the crisis a low priority.
7. During the eight days following the tsunami, did the Japanese government provide enough information on radiation levels for its citizens?
The Japanese government provided a variety of vague warnings and evacuations but no clear information on the crisis and how it was affecting the community. Some of the messages had extra details about tsunami efforts but most were vague and just reassured the people that the government was working to make things safe.
8. The Japanese government led the response on the nuclear disaster. Prime Minister Kan and Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano were the official government spokespersons. Did their comments build trust with the Japanese population?
The lack of appropriate response to the disaster did not gain trust with the people of Japan. Many people are joining grassroots movements to end Japan’s dependency on nuclear power because there are so many cons to continuing down that path.
9. What role did Japanese journalism play in the response to the crisis?
During the crisis, Japanese journalists were taking most of the government’s information at face value and reporting it straight out to the public. They were so discouraged from investigating further that most of the world and Japan had no idea what was really going on and who was to blame.
10. Governments, including that of the United States, that were concerned about the way Japan was handling the crisis. What did they want the Japanese government to do?
Besides providing the people of Japan with clear, honest and true updates on the crisis, various governments pushed for Japan to increase their nuclear regulations if they intend to continue utilizing the power source.
11. The main communication activity of TEPCO, the owner and operator of the nuclear plant, was issuing news releases. It was not until November 2011 that TEPCO began offering more communication tactics such as videotaped news conferences. After examining TEPCOS’s news releases during the early days of the crisis, how would you assess their value?
TEPCO chose to place their reputation and fear of shame ahead of honest and transparent communication and the public had to reassess their view of he corporation. After reading and analyzing this case study I feel like TEPCO has a long battle ahead to restore the Japanese people’s faith.
Out of the PR Closet 