Bipolarization in the acceptance of reusing contaminated soil generated by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident of 2011

The Japanese government has legislated the relocation of contaminated soil containing radioactive materials outside of Fukushima Prefecture by 2045 to accelerate Fukushima's recovery following the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). In this study, we investigated and analyzed factors associated with acceptance of the reuse of contaminated soil (RCS) among the Japanese public. We conducted an online questionnaire survey exactly ten years after the storage of radioactive contaminated soil began at interim storage facilities. We analyzed 5257 responses obtained from citizens aged 18 and over from all 48 prefectures of Japan. The study clarified that 46.7 % (2451) of participants accepted RCS, while 53.3 % (2806) did not, indicating that public opinion is polarized on this issue. The results revealed regional differences in opinions regarding RCS. Furthermore, the characteristics, knowledge of radiation, and interest in the FDNPS accident influenced opinions regarding RCS. In addition, people who were not accepting tended to be more concerned about the health effects of RCS, whereas those who were accepting were concerned about reputational damage. These results emphasizing the distinction among populations on their concerns are really interesting and can open a way forward for implementing RCS in a sustainable way. • The government of Japan legislated on the final disposal of the contaminated soil outside Fukushima. • Japanese acceptance of the reuse of contaminated soil (RCS) was polarized. • People in Fukushima were more accepting of the RCS than in other parts of Japan. • People who were interested in the Fukushima accident were more accepting of RCS. • People who were accepting RCS were concerned about the reputational damage caused. • People who were not accepting RCS were concerned about the health effects caused.