Abstract:

"Two controversial projects with environmental implications are examined in this program. The planned construction of a bypass around heavily populated Honshu Island will provide a needed link to the west at the expense of the natural coastlines of two remote islands. A second discussion centers on Wakasa Bay and a series of nuclear power plants which the Japanese government constructed in its effort to reduce Japan's dependency on foreign oil. Local residents weigh the economic benefits of the plants against fears concerning nuclear accidents and contamination." "This program examines two controversial projects with environmental implications. The Japanese government wants to build a bypass around the island of Honshu at the expense of the natural coasline of the two remote islands. The second project involves a series of nuclear reactors built to reduce Japan's dependence on foreign oil. Local residents weight the economic benefits versus the fears of a nuclear accident. "