DYNAMICS OF NUCLEAR POWER IN JAPAN (Essay Sample)

Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Dynamics of Nuclear power in Japan Introduction In Japan, the mass production of nuclear energy started after the end of Second World War when its cities were struck by an atomic bomb. Since then, nuclear has been used as the main source of power for many industries and domestic sectors in the country. The two major forms of nuclear energy are fission and fusion. Of the two, only fission is used in the process because it is easier to carry out and control. The heat resulting from the reaction turns a steam turbine, which in turn rotates an electric generator. Nuclear fission is associated with increased environmental costs and risks. It leaves the nuclear fuel, the reactor container, and the steam pipes vastly radioactive. During fission, an element is subjected to a decay process and the content particles split constantly. This spontaneous division of particles results to release of energy inform of rays. These radiations can either be gamma, beta or alpha rays. The energy associated with some of these radiations is very high. This enables them to penetrate even the most resistant material and cause damage to it (Metacalf & Tom 345). In case of human, they have ability to destroy and alter the genetic makeup of the cells. Hence, prolonged exposure to these radiations can cause cancer and other related problems. The knowledge of nuclear energy has been utilized for a very long time. This includes both positive and negative applications. In Japan, this energy has been utilized in turning of turbines in order to produce electricity. This has reduced the power deficit in the country (Metacalf & Tom 321). Nuclear power has also found it way in production of lethal weapons. This can be clearly explained in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was towards the end of Second World War when United State of America directed a nuclear weapon in the two cities of Japan. This led to a massive destruction of the two cities and death of many people. According to Asada, the destruction in Hiroshima accounted for 80 % damage in the city (477). Approximately 100,000 people were victimized by the blast (Maddox & Robert 208) .This provoked Japan to surrender and led to the end of the war. The surrendering had been promoted by radio news from American stations which claimed that America was determined to release more atomic weapons unless the Japan gave up on the war (Asada 276). The nuclear particles released at the time are still radiating and causing various birth defects and other health related problems. Godzilla is used in Japan to commemorate the impact of atomic bombing in the country. It is used symbolically in films and literature materials ( Thome & Ian 65). The exact origin of the creature is not known. Many people believe that Godzilla was awakened from the sea and empowered by nuclear radiations (Molstard etal 102). Though there are variations in terms of origin, the overall impression of the creature remains consistent. In some films and literature, Godzilla is depicted to be a hero but in most cases it is implied to be an object of terror causing sufferings to humanity. The metaphor of Godzilla’s heroism is attributed to importance of nuclear power in Japan while its horror part is a representation of lethal impact of nuclear energy and atomic bombing in Japan which led to massive destruction in the country (Thome & Ian 78). The use of Godzilla in the film and art industry in America has gained popularity. By opening a magazine or turning on a television, one can clearly understand the position of Godzilla in America’s popular culture in it relation to Japan. Any oversized creature such as an oversized cat is considered as a Godzilla (Ryfle 134). Various Godzilla related movies have also won different awards in the country. For example," the king of the monsters" has won an MTV lifetime achievement award. In it recovery process from world war11, Japan expanded its industrial production with most of energy being imported oil (Miyake 78). During this period, a nuclear plant composed of five operating reactors was being constructed. It was to reduce the amount of fossil fuel being imported in the country. This led to increase of uranium importation to cater for the growing demand. Nuclear energy has been speculated to play a bigger role in Japan’s future by contributing to almost 45% of the country’s energy sources (Metal & Ton 167) The nuclear research program in Japan started in 1954 with millions of Yens being invested in nuclear power. It was founded on the basis of three principles: transparency, self-governing methods and sovereign management. These principles promoted international cooperation and led to Creation of the Atomic Energy Commission in the year 1956. The commission facilitated development and growth of nuclear power and utilization throughout the country (Metal & Ton 234). Other organizations in line of nuclear energy were also formed in the same year under the law of Nuclear Safety Commission. The first reactor to produce electric energy in Japan was from United Kingdom .the model used boiling water reactor and it formed the basis of later nuclear reactors which were to be established in the country. Nuclear reactors make electricity by boiling water to become steam. The steam produced is responsible for turning turbines to produce electricity. The uranium used as fuel is mixed with other solid ceramic pellets to...