Nuclear energy policy and city planning in the early days of nuclear energy development: Analysis of the construction process of the atomic center in Tokai Village

Abstract

Tokai Village is a home to the first commercial nuclear power plant in Japan, and Nuclear Power Plants are directly adjacent to residential districts there. This study investigates the context of this situation by looking back around 1960 when the plants were built and clarifying the development project ideas and decision-making processes that were involved in the planning. The main findings are the following: Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) Inc. drafted the development plan for Tokai Village, founded Tokai Atomic Urban Development, acquired company sites. The Ibaraki Prefecture involved JAIF in making decisions on city planning of Tokai Village.