Photo/Illutration Kansai Electric Power Co.’s existing Mihama nuclear power plant (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Gojira (Godzilla), the product of a nuclear test in the sea, is an embodiment of “kaku no kyofu” or “the horror of nuclear weapons.”

Tetsuwan Atomu (Astro Boy), the robot that represents the best of science, symbolizes “genshiryoku no heiwa riyo” or “the peaceful utilization of nuclear power.”

Godzilla inspired terror while Astro Boy brought hope, according to literary critic Norihiro Kato (1948-2019).

The word “nuclear” can be translated into Japanese as “kaku” or “genshiryoku.”
The former, which is usually used to qualify weapons (as in “kaku heiki”), has an ominous ring to it.

On the other hand, “genshiryoku," or nuclear power, is associated with a bright future.

And precisely because Japan is an atomic-bombed nation, it has always held high hopes for the peaceful use of nuclear power.

Back in the 1950s, the United States considered gifting Hiroshima a nuclear power plant.

That was because the fallout from U.S. nuclear tests over Bikini Atoll in 1954 resulted in a surge of anti-nuclear movements in Japan, and Washington sought to “pacify” Tokyo with this perceived “peace offering.”

Such an idea would be utterly inconceivable today.

Over the years, the “myth of the safety of nuclear power” has been shattered, particularly after the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant accident in 2011.

But in this 80th anniversary year of Japan’s defeat in World War II, the government is setting a new nuclear power plant construction project in motion.

How could this ever be? It is as if Astro Boy, who is supposed to have disappeared, has returned to life.

And Godzilla, also, is as high-spirited as ever.

Leaders of a global superpower are threatening to use nuclear weapons, in total disregard of the pleas of anti-nuclear pacifists.

And at home, a politician is being praised, of all things, for blurting out, “Nuclear armament is the cheapest option.”

How should we deal with nuclear power in the days to come?

We discovered Godzilla’s terrifying power through extreme grief. And we experienced firsthand how our expectations for Astro Boy turned into disillusionment.

Isn't that usually the case?

—The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 5

 

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.