Public opinion changes after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident to nuclear power generation as seen in continuous polls over the past 30 years

In this study, the results of surveys conducted over the past 30years were analyzed. The surveys include continuous opinion polls conducted by seven organizations, those conducted by eight news media one year after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, and those conducted by Institute of Nuclear Safety System (INSS) 14 times from 1993 to December 2011. The results were as follows: (1) negative opinions towards nuclear power generation (NPG) suggesting abolition or reduction,' which was 20%-30% over the past 30years, increased to 70% from four to six months after the accident, when there was also much news about renewable energy. (2) Even after the accident, 60% regarded NPG as inevitable,' but many opposed future replacement or new construction of NPG facilities. (3) After the accident, recognition of the usefulness of NPG and concerns about electric power shortages in the near future remained unchanged, while anxiety and distrust toward NPG increased significantly. When considering power generation options, people now tend to focus on accident risks. (4) Nevertheless, people are neither aware of various possible problems caused by reducing NPG nor willing to accept a significant rise of electricity rates caused by the shift to renewable energy.