Japan’s Reaction to Disaster, Questionnaire Example

The 2011 nuclear and natural catastrophe in Japan has made world leaders think differently about nuclear power, safety and crisis management. Among many countries, the United States has supported the Japanese government and has adapted preventive guidelines after the Fukushima nuclear accident. The below paper is designed to review the reaction of the West, the consequences drawn and Japan’s reaction, including the acknowledgment of heroes who voluntarily entered the reactor after the disaster.

Western Media

One of the main worries of the West was the contamination of food and water. The import of fish and grain was immediately stopped and the media reacted hysterically. Even a debate about nuclear power developed quickly, according to Desai (2012). The author, checking articles from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal found that seven different packages were used to frame nuclear power. (p. 6.) The dominant discourse in the US press was to support progress: framing nuclear power as an effective tool of supporting economic growth.

Information and Communication

The communication of the Japanese government was effective, and this is shown by Desai (2012), confirming that most quotes were from government officials, backed up by independent expert opinions. Public accountability was one of the main topics, and the government reacted openly to the claims that the industry needed further and stricter regulation and preventive measures. (Holt et al. 2012) Comparing the disaster with the coverage of Chernobyl, the communication was open and reporters were allowed to create investigative material.

National Heroes

While people who took part in the rescue and shut down operation risking high levels of radiation were regarded as national heroes in their country, they were not featured in Western media a lot. While human stories were covered after the Tsunami, the positive aspect was somewhat neglected: people who were organizing operations, shelter, prevented further damage and risked their lives for others.(The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, 2012) Rescue teams and international charities were also lacking publicity.

References

Desai, D. (2012) Nuclear Power Discourse in the NYT & WSJ after Fukushima. Berkeley Online Publication. Spring, 2012

The Fukushima Nuclear Accident and Crisis Management – Lessons for Japan-U.S. Alliance Cooperation. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Online.

Holt, M., Campbell, R., Nikitin, M. (2012) Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. Congressional Research Service. CR Report.