Energy knowledge and public response to restarting nuclear plants in Japan following the fukushima accident

Since the Fukushima accident, Japan's nuclear policy has changed dramatically. However, restarting operations of some reactors has become an option for the government. This study focuses on the role of objective knowledge and, for the first time, develops statements for measuring people's accurate factual judgments and reflecting on energy issues in post-Fukushima Japan. Replies of two surveys conducted in the Kansai region were analyzed. From them, it was observed that having objective knowledge was positively associated with holding a favorable opinion rather than an ambiguous opinion toward restarting the plants, and association differences existed between subjective and objective knowledge. •Japanese nuclear operators facing public's concerns for plant restart. •Necessary to measure objective knowledge reflecting post-Fukushima Japan. •Two surveys conducted for examining objective knowledge roles. •Objective knowledge positively associates with favorable opinion.