ABSTRACT
This chapter explores new possibilities for Japan’s energy policy in the post-Fukushima era. After the catastrophic earthquake and radiation leak from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March 2011, one of the major issues Japanese society faces is how to revise its energy policy and energy production practices. During the post-Second World War economic development phase, Japan relied on nuclear power to fulfil its energy demand. Among Japanese grassroots, there is a strong movement towards renewability and sustainability nowadays, and for greater local control over energy production, as well as more extensive public participation. Individuals are beginning to experiment with renewable and more efficient modes of energy production. One important observation is that people refer to such renewable-energy-derived electricity as ‘community power’. It is defined as renewable energy installations initiated, operated and controlled by local citizens. The 11 March disaster accelerated the national sentiment for community-oriented renewable energy production. This chapter analyses a new trend in energy production and documents grassroots citizens’ involvement in post-Fukushima Japan.
