Eight years after the major earthquake that struck the east coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 and the horrific nuclear accident that it caused, IRSN is publishing the results of a study on the management of the post-accident situation in Japan, based on an in-depth survey of Fukushima Prefecture residents.
SHINRAI («Trust» in Japanese) is a Franco-Japanese research project, launched in 2014 by IRSN, Medialab of the Paris lnstitute of Political Studies, and Tokyo Tech. and coordinated by IRSN.
The Shinrai project is based on survey work (interviews, questionnaires) in Japan with four types of stakeholders:
- the authorities involved in post-accident management,
- the scientists and experts involved in support or in opposition with the authorities,
- nongovernmental associations offering aid to radiological victims and refugees of the nuclear accident,
- and residents of the Fukushima Prefecture.
The published report, called «Shinrai research project: The 3/11 accident and its social consequences — Case studies in Fukushima prefecture», is based mainly on an in-depth survey of residents from Fukushima Prefecture. The aim is to investigate the social and political consequences of the Fukushima accident that occurred in 2011. It is primarily concerned with the decision-making methods used by the authorities following the accident and their impact on the population. It is unique in that it provides a multidisciplinary perspective on how is managed the post-accidental situation in Japan.
The study examines the way Japan’s post-accident policy was implemented, including the evacuation of populations, decontamination operations and compensation. It identifies six different reactions from inhabitants on whether or not to return to the evacuated regions, based on criteria such as age, family situation, support for the post-accident policy, and confidence in the assessment of the radiological situation. It also highlights the major role that mayors played, by showing how they tried to meet government requirements while defending the interests and wishes of their constituents. It concludes by questioning the framework on which the Japanese institutions in charge of management have based their post-accident management (such as the attachment of residents to their area, the commensurability of the radiological risk, and zoning as a tool for the radiation protection of populations).
IRSN is now making the study available on its website to French and international bodies responsible for defining post-accident policies, for whom it will provide a basis for further reflection.
To learn more on the Shinrai project:
https://www.irsn.fr/en/research/research-organisation/research-programmes/shinrai-project/Pages/SHINRAI-project.aspx
To download the report:
https://www.irsn.fr/FR/connaissances/Installations_nucleaires/Les-accidents-nucleaires/accident-fukushima-2011/fukushima-2019/Documents/IRSN-Fukushima-2019-rapport-Shinrai-evacues_201903.pdf
Contact
Christine Fassert, IRSN
Christine.Fassert@irsn.fr
Источник: eurosafe-forum 6.2019