74% of Japanese Favor Nuclear Phase-out via Japan Focus

Jun. 16, 2011
APJ Editors

According to a survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun in mid-June, nearly three-quarters of Japanese voters favor an immediate or gradual phase-out of nuclear power.

In mid-April, the Japan Research Center and Gallup released poll results indicating that Japanese support for nuclear energy had declined from 62% before the earthquake – one of the highest support levels internationally – to 39% in the aftermath of 3/11 and the Fukushima crisis. Rates of opposition increased from 28% to 47%. The more recent Asahi poll shows an even more dramatic shift to anti-nuclear positions.

Japanese are not only expressing anti-nuclear views through opinion polls, however. The shifting public mood is also evidenced by widespread anti-nuclear demonstrations which have gained in momentum since April. On June 11, protests were held at 130 locations nationwide to mark the Fukushima accident’s three month anniversary. The demonstration held in central Tokyo is reported to have drawn 20,000 people. Footage from the Tokyo demonstration is available here.

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