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Is nuclear power particularly an element of Japanese government prestige? I have to say when I think of Japan, nuclear power doesn’t spring to mind. Same goes for the military - is there any evidence that nuclear power is particularly entwined with the Japanese military?

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Energy independence is a matter of Japanese government prestige. As Japan being a resource-poor nation pretty much led to WW2, becoming energy independent was a major post-war goal. Nuclear was a very essential part of that (not anymore).

That's true. 1973 oil crisis was another great reason to go nuclear plants.

>> I think of Japan, nuclear power doesn’t spring to mind.

It does for me, but that probably has more to do with Godzilla movies. Japan is also unique in its experience with nuclear energy. I think of Japan as a country that has a mature understanding of nuclear power. I would not lecture them on the subject.

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