The prospective decision by Japan’s government to take control of the Tokyo Electric Power Company may seem belated to the rest of the world, given the confusing way the firm has managed the Fukishima nuclear reactor crisis. But it seems to reflect official recognition of the relatively quiet but deep public frustration with TEPCO. Indeed, while a large part of the rationale for potentially taking up to 50% of TEPCO may be to prevent Asia’s largest utility from being completely overwhelmed by liability claims, an important reason may be to help manage an ongoing calamity that the company has shown little aptitude for.
The Japanese are known for their respect towards authority and enduring tolerance. The country’s heated student demonstrations of the 1960s and 70s are long gone. But the magnitude of the Fukushima debacle has led to expressions of discontent — even if not really through public confrontation.
