The change of energy policy in Japan after Fukushima: An ambiguous articulation between policy and politics

This article analysis the change of energy policy in Japan following the Fukushima accident, and how the energy transition notion was implemented. In a system strongly submitted to the inertial effect, this article deals with the impact of a focusing event and evaluates the capacity of change of the Japanese energy policy by articulating both “policy” and “politics” variables. We analyse how the politico-bureaucratic structure seizes the energy issue, and the aftermaths regarding renewable and nuclear energies production. Thus, while the nuclear issue was politically mostly treated from a consensual angle by the two major political parties, we propose an analysis of the energy transition development in Japan after the exploitation of a window of opportunity, and a change in political stakeholders configuration in the decision-making.